Opened in 1948 by Ward Riggins, Sr., as the Family Drive-In, the Jesup Drive-In Theater is the oldest and one of just four remaining in the state of Georgia. It was briefly closed in the 1960s, reopened as the Jesup Twin Drive-In and has been going strong ever since. Today it’s owned by Ralph and Jamie Hickox, who have really improved it while keeping its nostalgic feel. It’s a real treasure for Southeast Georgia.
Wonderful to see this place still in operation. Bet there are more than a few who remember going to the Dairy Ranch for thier unbeatable footlong hotdogs with special sauce, breaded french fries and then to the drive-in. Sad that the Hinesville drive-in is gone. Being a teenager back then wasn’t so bad.
I grew up in Jesup, and frequented the drive-in many Friday nights. The Cockfields owned it for a while in the 70’s, and Mrs. Cockfield was my English teacher in high school. An outstanding teacher she was. If I remember correctly, their son, Tim, had a part in the ownership of the theatre at one point. Not sure about that, though. It was 40 years ago. Many memories made at that drive-in, and not necessarily of the movies.
i remember passing that drive in on trips to see my grandparents. and am so happy that it is still open after all these years! what a treat for the community.
they need to make a come-back. They were so awesome. 🙂
Gee, I’d love to go there some time. What fun that would be!
I didn’t know there were any drive-in theaters in Georgia. Great to hear that and great photos.
There’s one in Northeast Georgia – http://tigerdrivein.com/home/
I know there’s one in South Atlanta (Moreland Avenue), and one in Blue Ridge. Google says there are a couple more…