![]() ![]() Travel and commerce ceased between strongly impacted cities, and fearful parents kept their children indoors to prevent the spread of this paralyzing disease. Prior to Jonas Salk’s 1955 vaccine, outbreaks led to public health officials imposing quarantine restrictions across the country. There were other adult theater ads after that date, so it’s possible that the 66 closed that summer.Over 70 years ago, the polio pandemic changed day-to-day life in America. It was still advertising (adults only) through June 26, 1983, the last 66 ad I could find in the Journal. When did the 66 finally close? Good question! Obviously before the screen-missing photo from 1991. Topo maps show a drive-in there through 1985. Historic Aerials shows the site restored to normal drive-in mode in 1967 & 1972, and the concession building and ramps still visible in 1991. It included a new sign, screen, projection building with snack bar and rest rooms, resurfacing of the parking area and new auto speaker sound equipment.” The official Grand Opening was July 24, per an article that day in the Tribune: “Total remodeling cost was about $75,000. Historic Aerials shows the track in place in 1959. The one-tenth mile racing oval was fronted by 4800 capacity grandstands to the north and south. The site became the 66 Micro-Midget Speedway, per a article in the Tribune. An advertisement in the Journal for Jproclaimed: 66 Drive In Theatre CLOSED! Attend your Cactus and Star drive-ins There were Journal ads on June 1 for the Sunset, Duke City, Tesuque, Terrace, Star and Cactus, but not the 66. When did the 66 first close? The local theater chain was sold back to Texas interests in early 1956, and that might have been when the decision was made. Historic Aerials shows it in place in 1951. Because I’m tired of typing Albuquerque, I will refer to them as simply the Journal and the Tribune. This note is based on info from the Albuquerque Journal and the Albuquerque Tribune. “George Tucker … becomes buyer and broker of motion picture firms for the company.” Robert O'Donnell had acted as GM for the Abuquerque theaters under Texas Consolidated. … Theaters involved are the KiMo, Sunshine, State, Hiland, Cactus, 66 Drive-In, Chief, Rio, Yucca and Lobo.” Others of the Bachechi family in the firm are Victor Bacheci, Carlo Bachechi, and the estate of the late Arthur Bachechi. “Joe Barnett, Albuquerque financier and owner of much downtown property, heads the firm, Albuquerque Exhibitors. 1, 1952, that was the date when control of the 66 (and other local theaters) passed from Texas Consolidated Theaters, Inc., of Dallas to Albuqerque Exhibitors, Inc. Hartsteinīetween the 66’s founding and reopening (after a few years as a micro-midget race track), the city changed its address system so the new and current address is 7019 Central NW. 1957: 520, Albuquerque Exhibitors, Inc., by Geo. ![]() 1950-54: Capacity 468, Owner Albuquerque Exhibitors, Inc., by R.1952-56 editions listed it with a capacity of 557 cars and 40 seats, served in the Denver territory. The 66’s first appearance in the Theatre Catalog was in the 1949-50 edition with a capacity of 400 cars, served in the Dallas territory. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |