Mason County’s Hidden Gem | Skyline Drive-In
Just south of Shelton, traffic slows as motorists approach Taylor Town. Here you will find one of Mason County’s Hidden Gems – The Skyline Drive-In, one of only five remaining drive-in movie theaters in Washington State; one of less than 300 left nationwide in America.
Cooper Studios photo
The inspiration of friends Fred Thibodeau and Fred Hendry, Navy Shipyard workers from Bremerton, the theatre was opened in May 1964 to great excitement. Just off Hwy 101, the theatre accommodated over 350 cars and featured a full service concession stand including a “surprisingly good” burger. The theater quickly became a key location to take your date or your whole family – depending on the film. The opening night movie was Disney’s Lady and the Tramp proceeded by the cartoon Billy Budd.
After work each day the two Freds headed to Shelton to run the theater seven days a week. Apart from a period of steamy adult movies in the 70’s, awkwardly remembered by local residents, the theater has showed feature films for over fifty years and routinely celebrate classics including a decade plus tradition of the annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Attendees at a feature presentation of Grease dressed the part and gathered their classic cars for the showing.
In 2005 Dorthea and Christopher Mayes purchased the Drive-In from Thibodeau promising to take care of “his baby.” “We are committed to continuing the distinctly American tradition of double features,” claimed Mayes in a recent Olympian article, “kids in their pajamas in the back seat as families watch movies under the stars.”
Recently the theater nearly was shut down when it was forced to modernize its screen from 35 millimeter film to digital. With a $80,000 price tag the modernization seemed almost impossible for the small theater. However, thanks to a robust Kickstarter campaign with local fundraisers as well as donations from as far away as Sweden, the funds were raised in the “nick” of time and the theater was saved. “(The theater) is a monumental part of our community,” reported Jake Luplow, a local reporter, “it allows for the ‘old’ to be renewed within each and every one of us.”
Apart from being a novel and nostalgic experience, the Skyline Drive-In is a great value with kids 5 and under free. Revenue for the Skyline Drive-In is supported by the fully stocked Concession stand, so bring your appetite as well as all your friends and family. Pets are also welcome on leashes while outside your vehicle. The show starts at dusk, rain or shine, with the movie’s soundtrack is broadcasted on a radio frequency (89.1 FM).
Skyline Drive-In Theater's historic neon marquee
Skyline Drive-In Theater's historic neon marquee recently got a new lease on life thanks to community supporters and the talented and dedicated volunteers with the Shelton Neon Project.
Shelton Neon Project was formed in 2011 and the initial project was to restore the neon signs living on downtown (Shelton) buildings in disrepair. Forrest Cooper, the project’s founder, had experience in neon art and signs and had a desire to see these signs come to life again.
After completing various signs downtown including the Pine Tree, Angle Building and Blondie's Restaurant, Forrest started eyeing the Skyline Theater sign. After nine years of planning and jumping through many hoops and hurdles, motorists on Hwy 101 last weekend were delighted to see this beautiful sign lit up once again.
Neon glass blowing is becoming a lost art. At the beginning of the Shelton Neon Project, Forrest facilitated the glass work to be done by other glass artists. Presently, Forrest has now re-learned the art of Neon glass blowing after those he had been working with either retired or left the profession.
With the help of his mentor and former employer, Chuck Hamling, Forrest had created a portable neon glass blowing and processing space. It had been 20 years since working in the field, but he says it’s “like riding a bike” After a bit of practice, he was back at it and ready to tackle the Skyline sign.
The replica sign was recently placed in location at the Skyline Drive-In and is visible on Hwy 101 as you enter Shelton from the South.