Keystone Stories: Drive-Ins


Pennsylvania is host to America’s second drive-in theatre, Shankweiler’s Drive-in which opened in 1934. In the late 1950s, at the height of the drive-in’s popularity, Pennsylvania had more than 180 in operation. This number has dropped significantly; 85% have closed. However, today Pennsylvania has nearly 30 drive-in theaters in operation, and this is second in the nation, only behind New York. The recent need for social distancing has provided drive-ins with several new income streams, and has boosted what some feel is a dying business.

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More Episodes

Man fishing on river bank.

The Outdoor Lifestyle

Season 5 Episode 3 | 27 min

From hunting and fishing to hiking and more, the outdoor lifestyle in Pennsylvania takes many forms.  Watch on the PBS App »

Aired 11/03/25

 

Woman with long blonde hair dressed in a denim long sleeve shirt with red undershirt, standing among various antique items on shelves.

Secondhand Treasures

Season 4 Episode 4 | 27 min

Whether it’s shopping at the 100-mile yard sale in the Quehanna region or visiting Antique Capital USA in Lancaster County, thrifting, antiqueing, and yard saling have become favorite pasttimes of people who love to find a good deal. Watch on the PBS App »

Aired 10/21/24

 

Drive-Ins

Season 1 Episode 2 | 27 min

In the late 1950s, at the height of the drive-in’s popularity, Pennsylvania had more than 180 in operation. Today Pennsylvania still has nearly 30 drive-in theaters in operation, second most in the country. Watch on the PBS App »

Aired 05/12/22

 

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