When film enthusiasts Matt McClanahan and Lauren McChesney discovered their favorite local drive-in theater was at risk of being sold to developers, they made a life-changing decision. The couple, determined to preserve a slice of American history, emptied their savings, withdrew their retirement funds, and took on a $1 million loan to save Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre. Located in Orefield, Pennsylvania, this drive-in is the world’s oldest, having opened its doors in 1934.
A Personal Mission to Save History
For McClanahan, 35, saving Shankweiler’s was not just a business move—it was deeply personal. ‘It was a very personal connection, because I grew up coming here, so I had that drive to preserve a piece of my own childhood,’ he explained in an interview with CNBC. To finalize the purchase in 2022, the couple gathered resources from family contributions and personal sacrifices, including McChesney, 41, leaving her healthcare career to manage the business full-time.
Transforming a Local Icon
Once little more than a ‘backyard theater’ showcasing films for a local audience, Shankweiler’s is now a thriving community hub. Hosting nightly double features, the couple has also introduced themed events to sustain attendance year-round—and ensure financial viability. From Valentine’s Day ‘Date Night at the Drive-In’ events to Halloween trunk-or-treat celebrations, they’ve embraced creativity to keep the theater alive and vibrant.
McChesney admits there’s added pressure: ‘Because it’s historic, because it’s so special, there is that added pressure that we have to be successful with this.’ Yet the couple remains committed to both preserving the theater’s vintage charm and elevating it to new heights.
A Labor of Love
Running the oldest drive-in in the world is no small feat. Finances remain an ongoing challenge, with loan payments and bills requiring year-round operations. However, the payoff is clear when movie nights draw hundreds of happy guests. ‘When the movies are playing and you’re watching hundreds of people share this amazing experience, and they’re having a great time and everyone’s happy, it’s like that weight is just lifted,’ McClanahan shared. ‘The community is coming together in this space, and we’re facilitating something really special.’
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre continues to stand as a testament to the couple’s determination, the power of community, and the enduring magic of the silver screen. It’s more than movies—it’s a tradition, a gathering place, and a labor of love.