Drive-in theaters get close-ups in Westmoreland society program

If most parents suggested a night at the drive-in this weekend, their children would probably ask why mom and dad wanted to spend the night waiting for chicken nuggets at McDonald’s.

Drive-in theaters are rare commodity nowadays, but those who grew up with them have fond remembrances.

Phil Pusateri of Penn Hills recalls making trips the Ardmore Drive-In off of Yost Boulevard in Braddock Hills, which was open from 1959-76.

“I remember sneaking in with as many kids as you could fit in the trunk,” Pusateri said. “Only once in a while did you pay for the carload — usually it was per person.”

Lou Biesuz of Export remembers the former Miracle Mile Drive-In, which was located near the border of Murrysville and Monroeville.

“Everyone went to that theater, first with their parents, and then in high school with their friends,” Biesuz said.

Drive-in enthusiasts will have a chance to wax nostalgic during the Westmoreland Historical Society’s annual “Remember When” presentation, scheduled from noon to 2:30 p.m. April 28 at the Greensburg Country Club. This year’s program, “We Watched Movies Under the Stars and In Our Cars,” will take a look back at the drive-in as a regular event for both families and couples.

Presenters will be P. Louise DeRose, a Greensburg attorney and author of “Images of America: Greensburg,” as well as Jennifer Sopko, author of “Ligonier Valley Vignettes” and “Idlewild: History and Memories.” Sopko also curated an exhibit on drive-in theaters at the Ligonier Valley Library.

The Mount Pleasant Area Historical Society, Norwin Historical Society and Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor are also partners on the program.

The program will be from at the club, 309 Pleasant Valley Road in Hempfield. Cost is $30, which includes Sunday brunch. Reservations are required by Monday by calling 724-532-1935.