The second drive-in theater to open in the US is now the oldest. You can visit it here in PA

Editor’s note: This is part of the “North, South, Centre” series highlighting road trips from central Pennsylvania. Where should we explore next? Email us at cdtnewstips@centredaily.com.

For Paul Geissinger, working at the nation’s oldest drive-in movie theater is a “labor of love.”

Geissinger, 70, has worked at Shankweiler’s for the last 51 years, making what was supposed to be a two-week temporary job into a lifetime career. Geissinger was in electrical school when asked by the projectionist union to open Shankweiler’s, much to his dismay.

“I told them I’d give them two weeks, said find somebody else but I’ll go there for two weekends,” Geissinger said. “And that was in April of 1971 and I’ve been there ever since.”

Wilson Shankweiler opened the theater in 1934 in Orefield and it has been in operation ever since. When it opened the theater was the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, and the second drive-in in the nation.

Geissinger spent the next decades helping to restore and modernize the theater, spending winters improving the equipment with his skills as an electrician. Then in 1984, Geissinger and his wife Susan purchased the theater, serving as its owners and caretakers ever since.

With Geissinger eyeing retirement, the drive-in has been on the market for six years. He wants to sell it as an operating drive-in but understands it might not work out.

“Ninety-eight percent of me says I need to keep it as a drive-in, the other 2 percent says I gotta retire,” Geissinger said.

The theater shows a double feature, two movies running back to back for one admission price. Starting June 10, the drive-in will be showing “Jurassic World: Domination” and “Uncharted.” Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12 and can only be purchased at the box office before a showing.

The drive-in stays open seven days a week until Labor Day, with some open weekends in September. Visitors should check the website for upcoming movies, hours and updates.

What to bring: Make sure your car is equipped with a FM radio. Guests are allowed to bring blankets and chairs as long as they are set out in front of the vehicle and not on the sides. No pets (except registered service animals) are allowed at the drive-in.

How to get there: From State College, take Interstate 80 East to get there in just under 3 hours.

Other places to go nearby: Randall’s Restaurant, Trexler Nature Preserve

Who’s it for: Perfect for families and those looking for an nostalgic experience coupled with the newest film releases.

Drive-ins closer to home: Super 322 Drive-In Theatre, 1682 Woodland Bigler Highway, Woodland; Midway Drive-In Theatre, 1380 William Penn Highway, Mifflintown

This story was originally published June 8, 2022 at 11:53 AM.