The Rochester Drive-In was Rochester's first drive-in theater. It wasn't called the "Rochester" until the Central Drive-In opened. From its grand opening on May 29th, 1942 until the opening of the Central in 1946, the Rochester Drive-In was known simply as "Drive-In theater."
    According to the International Motion Picture Almanac, the Rochester held 750 cars. It was located at 1200 Scottsville Road across from the Rochester International Airport (or Municipal Airport as it was called then.) The first show was "Look Who's Laughing" starring Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, Fibber McGee and Molly.
    The theater's last year of business was 1982. The site where the Rochester once stood is now a strip mall and a professional building. Its original snackbar and projection building still exists, and appears to be used as storage for the property management company. If you have any photos or information about this theater please send me an e-mail!!

Grand Opening Day Ad and Article (from Rochester Democrat & Chronicle - May 29, 1942)

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Last updated May 31, 2013

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