A unique movie experience at the drive-in

WARWICK — This season, Beth and Ernest Wilson, owners of the Warwick Drive In, are celebrating 21 years of continuing a family tradition of owning drive-in theaters. That tradition was started by Beth's father, Frank Seeber. And on Friday, March 18, the drive-in is hosting its grand reopening for the 2016 season.

Originally, Warwick Drive-In Theater was built in 1950 by Charles and Mary Finger and George and Adeline Miller on five acres of land owned by Paul and Emma Miller. The Millers sold out to Russ and Gloria Eurich. It had one 70' x 40' screen and parking for 350 cars. Soon, the Fingers bought out the business from the Eurichs. It was run successfully by the Finger family for 25 years.

In 1982, the Seebers bought more acreage and expanded the drive-in to two screens on 11 acres with two modern projection rooms, featuring Xenon lamps and huge automated platter systems to deliver the film to the new projectors. Later, a third screen was added.

"We built more ticket selling stations and complied with the town's insistence on controlling the traffic and parking situations," said the Wilsons.

In 1995, the Wilsons purchased the theater and land, forming Casey Family Theaters, Inc.

"The name came from a nickname for the youngest of our four children," said the Wilsons. Frank and Ann Seeber are still available, mostly for advertising and social media. A true family business, Beth’s sister, Laurey Keller, is always right by her side with the daily operations at the theater and in the office. Beth and Laurey's children have worked at the theater throughout the years.

"A very important person in our lives is Joan Damon," said Beth Wilson. "Mrs. Damon has been with the theater since the 70s and completely runs the concession area for us. She sure is one big asset to our company success."

"In 2014, giving way from the era of 35 mm film, we converted to digital projection, which has greatly enhanced the movie experience,' said Beth Wilson.

And now, open for the 2016 season, the Warwick Drive-In is again a destination for people who come from miles around to experience this classic form of entertainment.

"We look forward to the continuation of our family tradition of providing a unique drive-in theater experience along with popular entertainment," said Beth Wilson, "since we are the only movie theater in the Warwick area."

The Warwick Drive-In is located on Warwick Turnpike, right next to ShopRite, in Warwick. For more information, go to warwickdrivein.com.

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