Amish Drive-In Theater

Drive-Ins were an integral part of growing up for many of us, both as youngsters and later when we were able to drive ourselves for a great date night. 

This painting explores what it would look like if the Amish went to a drive-in. Yes, with this painting, I am colliding several elements that reflect nostalgia and some that don’t seem to go together. Maybe most iconic is the intermission screen with the hot dog jumping into the bun. 

Although drive-ins existed as early as the 1910s, the first patented drive-in was opened in 1933 in New Jersey. Appealing to families, the first Drive-In was marketed as a place where “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.”

Drive-ins gained immense popularity in the 1950s and ‘60s, during the Baby Boomer generation. There were more than 4,000 drive-ins throughout the U.S., most of which were in rural areas. They maintained popularity as both a space for families to spend time together and an affordable date-night option. Some drive-ins have small playgrounds for children and a few picnic tables or benches.

They were a cheaper alternative to indoor cinema theaters on many fronts. Unlike indoor cinema theaters, the venue had an air of informality that appealed to people of all ages, particularly families. The drive-in's success was rooted in its reputation as a family-friendly venue. Parents could bring their children to the theater, often in pajamas, without worrying about disturbing other moviegoers, and could spend time together without incurring babysitter costs.

Beginning in the late 1970s and extending through the mid-1990s, those drive-ins still operating acquired a quasi-novelty status, catering to the wave of "boomer nostalgia" and loyal patrons. 

Amish communities generally prohibit attending drive-in movie theaters due to religious rules against movies and mass media. Youth during Rumspringa may occasionally participate in such "worldly" activities before committing to church membership.