America’s oldest drive-in theater under new ownership in Orefield

Shankweiler’s Drive-In in Orefield, which is the country’s oldest drive-in theater, has new owners for the fourth time in its 88-year history. 

Lehigh Valley-based Moving Picture Cinema, which is run by Matthew McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, purchased the venue effective Nov. 4. 

According to a press release from the new owners, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre was the second drive-in theater ever built, in 1934. Its most recent owners, Paul and Susan Geissinger, purchased the property in 1984.

McClanahan previously revived and ran The Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Lehighton between 2014 and 2020. He has also owned and operated The Moving Picture Cinema, a full-service mobile cinema, since 2019.

“I grew up going to Shankweiler’s to see movies with my family,” said McClanahan. “It’s such an honor to be able to craft those memories for future generations while preserving a significant piece of American history.”

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre will resume operations in November, he said. It will continue with a limited schedule through the winter and will have a grand re-opening to follow in Spring 2023.

McClanahan’s other business, the Moving Picture Cinema offers a mobile cinema experience at  venues across Eastern Pennsylvania and has been operating since 2019.  

The company has collaborated with various community organizations, including independent movie theaters, municipalities, and museums, as well as hosting its own custom programming.