Movie Goers Remember Tulsa's Admiral Twin Drive-In

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- Many lifelong memories have been made at Tulsa's historic Admiral Twin drive-in since it opened in 1951 as the Modern Aire. First dates, holiday celebrations, a way to show off a brand new car and much more took place at the landmark to leisure.

It became the Admiral Twin in 1952 when a second screen was added, and Oklahomans remember both the movies - and the fun - they had as the movies played.

Who can forget pulling the metal speakers into the windows of the car? Or walking through the rows of vehicles to get popcorn from the concession stand?

Whether you skipped the admission cost by hiding in the car trunk or paid admission at the gate, the Admiral Twin was a part of many lives.

Here are a few memories NewsOn6.com users have shared with us:

Tim Carroll: I remember seeing the complete "Planet Of The Apes" series there. Funny, every time I went it seems I was with my sister , she let me tag along on her dates. I'm sure her dates were thrilled.

Tulsan: "It's five days older than me. I snuck in from every place there was a place.
Watched Annette Funicello and Elvis Presley from the seats in front of the concession."

Kara said: "I've seen so many (movies) there I can't even remember them all to list. It was always so much fun, and it breaks my heart to see this. I had assumed this would be someplace I could take my kids to in the future."

Karen: "Back in the 60s, it was so much fun playing on the swings up front and then running to our cars when the movie started. The swings were gone when I took my kids there, but it was still a magical place for them. Probably, wishful thinking but, I hope they rebuild it."

9/3/2010 Related Story: Fire Destroys Screens At Tulsa's Admiral Twin Drive-In

Lisa Hensy Hughes: "I can remember my folks taking us kids (5 or 6 of the 8 of us at that time) in the station wagon with the back seats down. We wore our pj's and had blankets and pillows. Mama made a giant bowl of popcorn and brought kool-aid to drink. After the cartoon was over, we had to lay down and sleep so Mama and Daddy could enjoy their date movie. We will surely miss the Admiral Twin."

Judy Pannell Terry: "This is so sad. I feel like a part of my life is gone. Many many fond memories of Admiral Twin Drive In."

Sarah Robinson: "I am so sad! This place has so many memories for my husband and I. It is where we had our first date and where we have spent every Anniversary since than. Good Bye Old Friend, I hope they re-build you better than ever!"

Nancy Henderson: "I'm sitting here...just shattered...I feel like my Dad has died all over again. Just received word that the Admiral Twin Drive-In screen is no more. My Dad was the projectionist on the West Side from the 50's to the late 70's. I grew up there. I saw every show and went there to see the man who ran the show and never had a day off. Dad had COPD because of the fumes from burning the carbon sticks that backlit the film. Dad, I'm glad you missed seeing it burn, I wished I hadn't seen it."

Kim Fisher Wallace: "My daughter saw my face as I was reading about this on my phone. She thought I'd gotten a text that someone had died. It kind of feels like that. Some of my earliest memories are of going to the drive-in with my parents. I really hope they can rebuild."