Sunset Drive In Case Study

The Sunset Drive-in’s opening day was July 12, 1949. It was opened by E.R. “Chub” Munger who had planned the construction of the drive-in for several years. It was opened on the southwest corner of N. Montana Avenue at Custer and was constructed shortly after February 10, 1949, across the street from the St. Joseph’s Orphanage. The 500-car open air theater was constructed on approximately 10 acres of the 15 acre lot with Mr. Munger’s house on the very end of the property. Construction of the theater started with each car’s radiator slightly higher than the rear of each vehicle. This allowed patrons in the back seat of the car to view the 60 by 60 foot screen which was raised approximately 18 feet off the ground for a better viewing experience.