History is Alive at the Mansfield Drive-in

Most of us have driven past the abandoned Norwich-New London Twin Drive-In in Uncasville on Route 32, which served audiences from 1955 to 1987, thinking that drive-ins went the way of the dinosaur.

Perhaps in some parts of the country, but not here in Eastern Connecticut. 

Serving as a piece of living history is the 1954 , about 25 miles north of the old twin drive-in, also on Route 32. 

In fact, there are folks who travel up to one hour to enjoy the unique experience, only one of two full time drive-ins left in Connecticut. 

Always showing new releases, Mansfield Drive-In dedicates one screen exclusively for family films. 

A small wooden building greets visitors with an old-fashioned letter marquee board. 

Listings are also on its website and Facebook page. 

A drive-thru box office, similar to an old toll booth, is open from 7:10 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. 

Quite affordable for a double feature, there is a $9 charge for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-11, and free for ages 3 and under. During the summer season, Wednesdays are $18 carload night.

The 40-acre drive-in features three 55-by-110-foot screens with stereo sound on the FM frequencies: 88.1, 89.3, and 91.5 FM. There are also 30 working speakers on poles at each screen delivering mono-quality audio.  

Like most theaters, Mansfield Drive-In makes much of its money on concessions as its ticket sales go to the motion picture industry. 

Its concessions are located in a unique snack bar building, reminiscent of a malt shop, with black and white checkered flooring. Opening nightly at 7:15 p.m., it serves up delicious burgers, hot dogs, fries, soda, popcorn, candy, and ice cream. 

There is even a playground open until dusk. 

The first movies, shown on recently repainted screens, start around 8:30 p.m.

Three digital projectors, which cost $300,000, replace the former 35 mm film projectors. 

When the movie ends, you can see dancing popcorn, candy, and soda singing in the 1957 animated musical clip "Let's All Go To the Lobby".

After a 10 minute intermission, the second movie starts, usually between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.  

Some drive to another screen after the first movie ends, while others just come for the second movie. 

While many stay in their vehicles, a few bring boom boxes, fold-up chairs, blankets, and enjoy the fresh night air.

When the weather and the movies are great, over 800 vehicles go through its gates in a single night. 

Films are shown on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights April thru September. 

During June, July, and August, movies are shown each night.

The drive-in is also host to Eastern Connecticut’s Largest Flea Market on Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m from late March to November. 

Have you been to a drive-in before? Share your experiences with Patch!