Drive-in theaters may be a thing of the past, but one is still alive in Barstow.

Many Barstow and Victor Valley residents get their fix of old-fashioned movie nostalgia at the Skyline Drive-in, located just off Interstate 15 on Old Highway 58.

Here, they get the thrill of seeing two big-screen feature films for the price of one in the privacy and comfort of their own cars. “It’s great to step back in time every once in a while and see a great double-feature at the Skyline Drive-in,” said John Hayes of Apple Valley. “I love the nostalgic feeling.”

To some, it is a ritual: Inflate portable mattresses; remove seats (if you can); dress in comfy clothes or pajamas; bring sleeping bags, blankets and pillows; and pack snacks and soda.

The most important part of the ritual is grabbing fast food before hitting the drive-in. Some stop at the Del Taco just off Main Street. Michele Billings of Hesperia said her family has to stop “at the best Del Taco anywhere.” Others stop at Tommy’s, just off Lenwood, because it’s the only one in the High Desert.

During intermission, buttered popcorn waits at the concession stand. The smell has been lingering in the night air, tantalizing viewers’ senses throughout the first movie.

“By the time the second movie starts, we are ready to get popcorn and candy,” Billings said. “The popcorn is so good there.”

Randy Shull, who’s been leasing Skyline with the option to buy since May 2006, said they make most of their money from the concession stand because the film rental is so high.

The typical snack bar offers food that can be served quickly such as popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, pizza, candy, soft drinks and French fries.

One of the new specialty items is tamales with chili and onions, Shull said. They also offer chili-cheese nachos.

The advertisements to get customers to the snack bar haven’t changed much. Trailer advertisements feature animated food such as dancing chili dogs and talking popcorn.

Tanya Sartain of Apple Valley said she likes going to the drive-in because you can talk when you want and you don’t have to worry about someone obstructing your view. She brings her dog along, too. If the kids get cranky, you can just lay them down to rest, Sartain said.

The main reason Sartain, 66, likes the drive-in is because she “can relive my growing-up years.”

Drive-ins were once the place to go on a date or to socialize with friends.

The first drive-in theater opened in New Jersey in 1933 and was advertised as fun for the whole family: “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.”

The concept caught on fast in other states, including California.

Drive-ins were at their peak in the ’50s and ’60s with California boasting 223 in 1967.

Eventually, the popularity of drive-ins faded. People began referring to drive-ins as “passion pits” and stopped bringing their families for a fun night out. When drive-ins stopped playing feature films, some ran Spanish features, some ran pornography, and others were demolished.

During the 1990s, however, the number of drive-ins shutting down decreased. Some even reopened.

The Skyline Drive-in originally opened in 1966 with only one screen. It followed the demise of other drive-ins and shut down in 1987. It reopened in 1996 and eventually added another screen. Currently, there are only 30 active drive-ins in the state.

The Skyline Drive-in is a dream come true for Shull.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own theater,” said Shull, who managed the theater for nine years before leasing it. Shull has made some major improvements to the theater.

“We put in a Technalight system that makes the picture 100 percent brighter,” he said. “The clarity is nothing like it used to be at drive-ins.”

Shull also improved the stereo system.

“We are up-to-date with all the big boys,” he said.

He is also having the marquee repainted.

Sometimes Skyline fills up, and they have to turn cars away. When “Spider-man 3” and “Shrek the Third” were playing, Shull got a call from staff saying they were completely full and had one car left in line. They did let the one car in, but a couple of years ago he had to turn away 30 to 40 cars on Friday and Saturday nights.

Besides playing double features, Skyline is holding a swap meet once a month. The next swap meet will be held Sunday. After that, Shull said they will begin holding the swap meet once a week “just like old-school drive-ins.”

Skyline Drive-in, a family-operated business, is a place many go for an inexpensive and fun family night out. But, Shull jokingly said, parking is available in the back for couples.

Originally published online here: http://www.desertdispatch.com/news/drive_705___article.html/ins_shull.html