The historic Skyview Drive-In theater along Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, has been placed on the market for $420,000.
The property is listed with the Barber Murphy Group of Shiloh, Illinois. The theater accommodates up to 700 vehicles. Drive-ins suddenly became more profitable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a news release posted on the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway from owners Nick, Mindy, Mike and Debbie Pastrovich, they are “looking for new caretakers” of the property they’ve owned since early 2016.
According to newspaper archives, the theater was known for many years as Sky View Drive-In. Apparently, the Pastroviches made Sky View into one word.
The Pastroviches recently opened the theater for its 71st season. They devote the second Sunday of each month to six classic movies, including “Goonies” and “American Graffiti.” The latter film on May 9 will include a classic-car cruise-in that evening, with the drivers of pre-1980 vehicles getting one free ticket.
From the news release:
They credit the local and Route 66 enthusiasts for their successes.
“The Mother Road has such a rich history, and is loaded with fun things to do, and of course amazing foods to try!
We have been so privileged to be caretakers for the last six years,” says Mindy, Director of Events, Social Media,
and PR. “We quickly learned, that even as a privately owned business, the Skyview is community based. Our
patrons consider the theater a part of their own personal stories.”
Throughout their ownership Drive-in patrons have visited from as far away as Singapore. “Regulars” come from the local area, and as far away as 2 to 4 hours every weekend.
Mindy remarked, “We are story keepers for this amazing place. Every weekend we hear new stories from our visitors. Telling us their fondest movie memories. … And what this theater has meant to them.”
She mentioned the private events that they host as well, ranging from Wedding receptions to business meetings,
graduations, and for two years in a row, school plays. Community fun, entertainment, dining, and Route 66 all
rolled into one package. The family has enjoyed giving heart and soul to the Drive-in and are ready for new
opportunities.
“We have enjoyed being the Skyview caretakers and will cherish the many amazing moments we have had with our visitors.”
The Skyview opened in 1950 by Frisina Enterprises, but much of its history is owed to Norman and Del Paul, who owned it for more than 30 years. It is the last remaining original Route 66 drive-in in Illinois and was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame.
(Hat tip to Brian Gregory; image of the Skyview Drive-In by J Turner via Flickr)
Too bad. It was such a nice little drive in. I’m glad I took the time to visit on my last R66 vacation and took pix of the place. It’s forever in my R66 scrapbook/album.thanx for the memories