There’s a stretch of Route 20 in Massachusetts between Route 9 and 290 that I used to think was just a perfect little stretch of roadside wonderfulness. There was the Rainbow Motor Court, The Edgemere Drive In, Hebert Candy Mansion and the Edgemere Diner. As years pass some things change, and in this case all that is left of the Edgemere is it’s cheery marquee sign, a colorful beacon on the side of The Hartford Turnpike, reminding us of summer nights of movie fun.
I have some old photos around here somewhere where a wonderful vintage script font can be seen spelling out the words Drive In, as in the photo that accompanies this writeup of the Edgemere Drive-In from The Shrewsbury Chronicle I’ll post ‘em when I dig them out of the Retro Roadmap archives.
Even with the Rainbow Motor Court cabins each painted white, and the Edgemere diner dolled up to sell hot dogs, I’d still rather drive on Route 20 any day, than the Mass Pike!
It’s easy to spot old drive in theater locations on Googlemaps, just look for the triangular shape where the cars used to park, all pointing towards the screen.
Edgemere Drive In Movie Theater Sign
Around 204 Hartford St. Route 20
Shrewsbury, MA
View MA – Massachusetts Retro RoadMAP in a larger map
About Mod Betty
Helium Design
Marvelous. I don’t know which I like more: old drive-ins that are still up and running or moody abandoned ones.
Beautiful sign! Such a shame so many drive-ins have gone now.
Richard, I totally agree – however this summer I’m going to make every effort to chronicle the ones that are still open. (Mental note, let RetroRoadhusband know of summertime plans…!)
My Dear Retro Roadmap Readers –
In an effort to reduce comment spam by bots on my site, I’ve closed the comments on this post.
But the last thing I want to see happen is that it stops the conversation on this topic, especially if you have something you want to add!
So if you want to comment on this post all you have to do is email me at modbetty AT retroroadmap DOT com and let me know what you want to say and what post it goes with. I’ll make sure your info gets matched up and added to the conversation!
Thanks for understanding!
Your hostess, Mod Betty