The Oldest Drive-In Theater in the World Saved with Love

David M Mendez | Writer

Lauren McChesney and Matthew McClanahan proudly smile at Shankweiler's drive-in

Did you know that the oldest drive-in movie theater in America is right in LCCC’s backyard? In 2018, the Shankweiler's drive-in was listed for $1.2 million. Fast forward to November 2022, when Lauren McChesney and Matthew McClanahan purchased the drive-in. 

In addition to running a drive-in movie theater in the past, McClanahan also frequented Shankweiler’s when he was younger. Although McChesney’s background lies in social work, she has always been passionate about movies. 

“As a destresser, I would watch movies,” McChesney said.

McChesney met McClanahan at the first drive-in he ran. They began dating in 2019 and started traveling around the world to see other drive-ins. Soon, owning a drive-in movie theater became the goal. Initially, the couple was going to build a new drive-in in an area where people were not fortunate enough to have a drive-in, but when they saw Shankweiler’s for sale, everything changed. 

“We had to save [Shankweiler’s]. It's historical,” McChesney said.

And that’s just what they did. Currently, Shankweiler’s is a hub for the community to come together and enjoy a variety of movies. This fall, Shankweiler’s will host “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with a shadow cast on October 12 at 5:30 p.m. and the original “Halloween” on October 31 at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to these Halloween movies, Shankweiler's Drive-In Theater has much to offer to the public, such as private rentals, on-screen advertising, signboard advertising, event sponsorship, and vendor requests.

With love and passion, McChesney and McClanahan have revitalized Shankweiler’s, the oldest drive-in theater in the world, preserving its legacy for generations to come.

Visit shankweilers.com to learn more.