Palmer
Drive-In
George Palmer Highway (MD 704;
now Martin Luther King Jr. Highway), about ½ mile east of US 50,
Lanham, Md.
years of operation: 1954-80
currently: Hansen-Palmer Business Park
The second of the two drive-ins (the first was the Super Chief in southern Prince George's) built by the D.C.-based Louis Bernheimer circuit; later operated by District Theatres. Located next door to a rod & gun club which, in the mid-'70s, held outdoor target practice on Wednesday nights. For some time after its closing it was used as a flea market. It's now one of a cluster of business parks along that sector of Route 704. Ironically, one of the park's occupants is a 1950s-themed restaurant called "Cafe 57".
Got some additional information, or some pictures or stories about this drive-in you'd like to share? Email me -- thanks!
Below: the opening night ad from
July 23, 1954.
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