Playing this weekend at the Sunset Ellis Drive-In Theater is “Angry Birds” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.”  

 

From now through Labor Day, the summer hot spot will be bustling with movie enthusiasts who find it more appealing to watch their favorite flicks outdoors.

 

There’s just something about piling in the back of a pick-up or SUV with blankets and tuning out the rest of the world. It’s a simple summer pleasure I remember sharing with my mom, dad and sister when I was a tiny little girl. Before movie time, we would swing on the playground and stop by the concession stand for popcorn and candy. Then we would cozy up in our family sedan with that big speaker hanging on the inside of the window.

 

Located in Shinnston, the Sunset Ellis Drive-In is one of only three left in West Virginia. In the mid-50s, the Mountain State had more than 70 drive-in movie theaters.

 

An 87 percent decline in these outdoor gems has made a trip to the drive-in a special treat. 

 

And our local gem is in jeopardy if area movie-goers don’t come to the rescue.

The Ellis family, who owns the theater and the Sunset Ellis Restaurant – where my family often eats after church on Sunday – tells me that the movie screen is badly deteriorated and is in dire need of restoration and the ticket booth – the original, established circa 1950  – needs to be replaced. Some of the fencing does, too.

 

The drive-in opened in 1947 by Spaniards which settled in the Shinnston area. John and Jean Ellis purchased it in 1955. Before the restaurant was even built, a street car was on site and utilized as a concession stand. In 1960, the street car was torn out and a restaurant was built by a guy named Mike Bisbee. The operation has remained in the Ellis family and is now owned by John and Jean’s son Anthony and his family.

 

Most drive-ins closed their doors when, several years ago, the cinema industry mandated all theaters to transition to digital imaging. Brand new, that system came along with an $85,000 price tag.

 

“We were fortunate enough to find a used one for $35,000, still having to get a loan to buy it,” said Anthony’s daughter, Antoinette Casto.

 

Although the restaurant is their bread and butter, the drive-in operation isn’t so profitable.

 

“What most people don’t know is that the movie industry takes, at minimum, half the admitting ticket cost and as much as 90 percent of some movies,” Antoinette said. “And, beginning this year, they will take 70 percent per ticket for Disney movies.”

 

The Sunset Ellis Drive-In is an established iconic, historical place that gives the community a place to gather, visit, relax and spend quality time with their loved ones.

 

“It's an evening to escape from the hectic, daily chaos that happens in our daily lives,” Antoinette said. “It provides great memories. We have patrons bringing their grandchildren and they share their stories with them.”

 

She said her father prides himself giving families affordable opportunities to spend quality time together.

 

The estimated cost to repair the screen is just over $15,000. It is unknown at this time what the other repairs will cost. It is asked that you consider a donation toward these efforts. Do it in honor of your favorite flick or drive-in movie memory. Together, those gifts will help keep the iconic big screen up and running.

 

“We don't want to see it disappear,” Antoinette said. “I’m thankful we are able to provide our community with this experience. With support to aid in the “Restoration Rescue,” we will be able to keep our doors open a little longer.”

 

Donate HERE at the theater’s Go Fund Me page. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter! 

 

More "It's Happening" HERE.