WOODLAND — Nestled in central Pennsylvania, the Super 322 Drive-In Theatre has been an enduring symbol of nostalgia and entertainment for the local community for more than 70 years.
Since its grand opening on May 26, 1950, this drive-in has seen several owners and numerous transformations, ultimately finding Bill and Barb Frankhouser, who have dedicated their lives to preserving its legacy.
Bill joined the Super 322 Drive-In Theatre as a projectionist, following previous experience at the Midway Drive-In.
“They called us a couple of days before we got married and they said, ‘We got some real problems. Can you come out on the weekend?’ And I told him, ‘Look, I’d like to, but you’re not going to believe this,’ I said, ‘that’s the weekend we’re getting married,’” Bill said.
Bill noted that after their honeymoon, he got straight to work. In a labor of love spanning over two decades, Bill and Barb embarked on a mission to acquire the Super 322 Drive-In Theatre, realizing their dream of ownership. Over the years, they continued to invest in the drive-in’s future, with significant improvements that included a vibrant new marquee adorned with a colorful neon sign.
Bill’s journey in the theater business began during his high school years and took him to various indoor theaters in Clearfield, Altoona and State College. He brought with him 35 years of expertise as a projectionist and stage worker. Simultaneously, Bill spent three years with the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Department before transitioning to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, where he served for 30 years.
Bill’s wife, Barb, was no stranger to hard work and determination. While employed by the Clearfield County Controller’s Office, she pursued her education at Penn State through evening classes. Her career included a 20-year stint with a major tax company, followed by 15 years of independent tax practice. During this time, Barb also worked at the drive-in’s ticket office, providing her invaluable support.
“We have a lot of regulars and then we have new people every weekend and I see them mostly from out of state,” Barb said regarding ticket booth sales.
In a testament to their dedication to the Super 322 Drive-In Theatre’s long-term preservation, the Frankhousers have laid out a vision for the future. Their goal is to keep the theater operating for another 75 years or longer, actively saving money each year for improvements and expansion.
Restoration and preservation efforts extend to the original neon signs, with meticulous care to bring them back to their former glory. The quest for metal signs, discussions about the marquee’s colors and a commitment to upgrading and maintaining lights all contribute to the drive-in’s timeless charm.
Furthermore, Bill and Barb Frankhouser remain committed to finding and preserving historical pictures and artifacts that document the rich history of the Super 322 Drive-In Theatre.
“Any time we’ve ever done any remodeling, we went out and we took pictures of everything just to document where all the wiring was because whenever they put these drive-ins in, nobody documented anything. They just stuck everything together,” Bill explained.
Over the years, the theater has faced several issues; however, the steadfast commitment of the owners and their dedication to the theater’s upkeep have ensured that these setbacks were overcome, allowing the show to go on.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for the theater industry, including the Super 322 Drive-In. With the cancellation of new movie releases and a need to rely on retro movies, the theater navigated uncertain waters. The impact of COVID-19 was exacerbated by a lack of clear guidelines and communication from the state regarding safety protocols, the couple said, creating a complex and ever-changing environment.
Financial challenges also loomed, as changes in studio deals, higher operational costs and the need to rely heavily on concession sales placed a strain on theaters across the nation. Sadly, this financial pressure led to the decline and closure of other drive-in theaters, including one mentioned in Australia, where high taxes and unsustainability took their toll.
“We had people that belonged (to the United Drive-In Association) in Australia and they had the Lunar Drive-In, a big beautiful three-screen theater, and they just closed about a month ago,” Bill remarked. “They tried to sell it, and nobody wanted it. So, they actually stopped, and they sold it.”
Both Barb and Bill explained concessions are a major part of keeping the drive-in functioning. They said running the drive-in is a labor of love as they have been retired for more than 30 years and the money made from the drive-in goes back into maintaining and upgrading the theater.
“You have to rely very heavily on your snack board to pull it through. Our goal here is to extend this (concession bar) out about 20 feet and put a 30-foot addition on it. Then we can get people in and out,” Bill remarked. “We’ve been putting the money back toward this.”
In their remarkable journey of preserving the Super 322 Drive-In Theatre, Bill and Barb Frankhouser have found support through the United Drive-In Association. This association, a network of drive-in theater owners, serves as a vital lifeline for drive-in theaters across the country.
Bill and Barb joined the Drive-In Theater Fanclub originally after attending a convention in Baltimore for drive-in theaters.
“They kind of initiated this. They said we know that most people who belong to this are actually working on this. So, they got the idea to see whether they want to form their own organization,” Barb explained. From there, the United Drive-In Association was formed.
The United Drive-In Association functions as a platform where theater owners come together to help and support each other. They work diligently to exert pressure on studios, advocating for drive-in theaters to have the first opportunity to showcase new movies.
Beyond this, the association facilitates the sharing of crucial information and collaborative efforts among theater owners, enabling them to assist each other in times of need.
While the challenges have been many, the resilience and dedication of the Super 322 Drive-In Theatre and its owners shine through. Their story is a reminder of the enduring magic of cinema, the importance of community and the power of dedication in preserving cherished traditions for generations to come.
Super 322 Drive-In, 1682 Woodland Bigler Highway is open seasonally from spring through the end of September. For upcoming films and other events at the drive-in, visit super322drive-in.com and their Facebook page.
