Update 9/29/2024: I found an article indicating the Starlite opened in 1948.
AKA Park-In
The Starlite Drive-In opened on May 22nd, 1953, and was featured in the "Review of Theatre Constuction" section of the 1954-55 Theatre Catalog. According to the Theatre Catalog feature, the Starlite was owned by J.W. Blackburn, had a 600-car capacity on its 17-acre lot, and cost $85,000 to build. The wood-frame screen tower was 60 by 60. The Starlite closed around 1985, and was demolished sometime shortly after that.
I didn't get the chance to go to a drive-in until I was a teen, and for some reason never caught a show at the Starlite. Probably because the Northside Drive-In was much closer to home. But I do have vivid memories as a young child going by there at night, fascinated by seeing the movie playing on the big screen, as it was clearly visible when driving north on Lansing Rd. past the theater. So, The Starlite was sort-of my "first" drive-in. Currently the lot is used by "Starlite RV Storage". Ron Gross
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