In 1952, Harry J. Miele, Harry L. Nixon, and Benjamin Pulizzi formed the Pike Amusement Corporation. That October, they had 12 acres of land along Rt 15 in Montgomery cleared for a Drive In Movie Theater. The estimated cost for the theater was $135,000.
The Pike Drive In in Montgomery opened for the first time on April 16, 1953
The first movie shown there was Son of Paleface.
There was also a mini golf course by the movie theater!
It was for sale in 1953
In 1954 patrons of the Pike Drive-In theater complained to management about the pig smell.
William S. Kuntz operated a "piggery" on his property adjoining the movie theater.
Pike Amusement Inc instituted court action to remedy the situation.
Kuntz offered no testimony in his defense, and was ordered to clean up his piggery.
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A Partial Time Line Of The Theater
1952 - Pike Amusement Company Formed
1953 - Pike Drive In Opens
1956 - Six youths between the ages of 12 and 26 were apprehended for two cases of malicious mischief along Montgomery Pike.The boys allegedly damaged lights at the Drive In Theater, and three signs owned by the Abby Sign Company.
1959 - Comerford Theaters Purchased the Pike Drive In From Henry Miele
1955-56 Theater catalog listed Charles Collins as the owner1978-82: Sports Svce.
1984: G. Tomka
1986-88: Joe Farruggio
1990s - Pike Expands from 1 screen to three
2006 - Purchased by Bob Madara & Joe McDade
2007 - Madara sold the Pike to his partner Joe McDade
“Three city men have started construction of a modern, 800-car theater on the Montgomery Pike. They are Harry J. Miele, Harry L. Nixon and Benjamin Pulizzi.Mr. Miele said the theater is being built at an estimated cost of $135,000, and will open about April 1. Clearing work on the land, about 12 acres, started last week.” -
The Williamsport Sun-Gazette Oct. 30, 1952
Cool story. Bob Mix used to run the projectors in the late 50's, or early 60's.
ReplyDeleteyes, he did! That was my dad. He was great at that job!!
DeleteJoe Farruggio is still the owner of the Pike Drive-in Theatre. Get your facts straight !
ReplyDeletePike Drive-In website states Joe McDade as owner. He is who I have been in contact with about speaking at the Adam Room museum.
Delete