Georgetown, IN
In 1965, Bill and Dorothy Powell made a life-changing decision. With three children and both of them working full time in Louisville, the Powell’s signed a contract and purchased the Georgetown Drive-in Theater from Leroy and Evelyn Kerr. Forty-two years later, the Powell’s youngest son Bill and his family celebrate continued family ownership and a treasured piece of Americana.

On the last weekend of April, the Powell’s opened the drive-in theater for another season — the 56th to be exact. To celebrate, admission was only 56 cents per person. Bill, just like his dad, has always been drawn to the big screen.

“Dad used to show movies to the neighbors in the backyard, projecting the movie on the back of our house!” Bill fondly recalls. “Running the drive-in that first year was hard for mom and dad. I remember the movie that really turned things around. It was “Bonnie and Clyde” in 1967. We really made a profit from that one.” Older sisters Diane and Nancy helped when they could, but Bill was usually the one right there alongside dad, helping wherever and whenever.

The Georgetown Drive-in Theater remains a family business with Bill’s wife, Karen and their four children, Brad, 26, Andrea, 24, Andrew, 13 and April, 8. They all chip in and help just like their dad did years ago. “Brad is now with the Floyd County Police. Andrea has shown the most interest, even though she’s going to school and working. Andrew and April are a big help, too.” The Powell’s have several friends — Don, Carla, Sherman, Tammy and Peggy (Karen’s mother) who also help.

After getting a “backstage tour” of the snack bar, I asked Bill if any of the equipment at the theater has remained intact and is the same as in 1951.

“Some of the in-car speakers are the original ones. We’ve been using the same electric hamburger grill since 1966 and the popcorn bin is the original one,” Bill tells me with pride. And what would a drive-in theater be without the 1950’s intermission cartoons? Yes, once in a while Bill shows the original “dancing hotdog” intermission reels which both young and old enjoy!

Several improvements have been made through the years. In 1987, Bill added the back screen, known as “Screen II.” Ten years later, severe weather blew down Screen I which had to be entirely replaced. Just two years ago, Bill added the neon-decorated ‘57 2-door Bel Air hard top, mounted high above the marquee. And this year, he’s purchased yet another nostalgic neon piece — an “Entrance” sign from an old motel.

Until movies go digital, Bill will continue to order his 35mm movies on 2,000 ft. reels from an independent film booking agency in Florida.

“Our agent gives me advice about which films to purchase, which ones will be a big draw,” Bill said. Each feature consists of approximately six 2,000-foot reels, which Bill splices and threads on one big reel. Two features can be shown back-to-back on these big reels, but believe it or not, those big reels can house up to 17 2,000-foot reels!

From April until the last of October, the Powell’s literally live at the movies. Would they have it any other way? “Sure, it dominates your summer. I put in at least a 14-16 hour day,” Bill says and then pauses, “But this business sure has its rewards. We see the same families year after year, watch their kids grow up and then see them bring their kids. I see this (drive-in) as a get-away place, a place to forget about your stress and worries.” Bill continues on in thought, “The repairs are sometimes costly and the movies are getting more expensive…they will be especially in the next 5 years or so when they’re digital. But I will make the investment and continue. I’ll always strive to keep my eyes on the future, without forgetting about the past.”

So, grandmas and grandpas, moms and dads, teenagers and toddlers, come out to the Georgetown Drive-in Theater and experience the movie stars under the stars. Come as you are — there’s no need to dress up. All you need are some blankets, a few lawn chairs and an appetite for a nostalgic night of good food and family fun.

Originally published online here: http://www.news-tribune.net/features/local_story_130111539.html?keyword=topstory