I really miss Drive-In Movies. My Dad & Mom would take us to see the newest Walt Disney movies (Blackbeards Ghost, The Love Bug, etc.) What an inexpensive way to take the family out for a night. Those were the days.....

I remember the Mayfair
it wasn't too far from the Merben
and down the ways was Devon...which we all remember was the LAST single screeen theater in Philly. converted from a porn theater to a 99 cent one for a while, tc.

remeber the Andalusia Drive in?
The Lincoln drive in?

I lived in NE philly most of my growing up and think foundly of some of that stuff...

It is my understanding that The Mayfair Civic Association has requested that the new Republic First replace the OLD "MAYFAIR" sign on top of the new bank building. They are awaiting a decision from the bank heavyweights. They also plan to ask Mr. Storage to put "CONCORD" above their signage for Frankford Ave memories. Sure miss the "Merben" too. Keep you posted.

Mayfair MICK

Mayfair Irish Catholic Kid

Where was the merben?

The Merben was at Bridge and Pratt. Saw many films there as a child. I think a McDonalds is or was there at some point after it was gone. I think maybe it is now a burger king now.

I remember the Drive in theaters up the blvd. I saw the Exorcist at one of them with a group of friends. We all went there in cars and vans and took lawn chairs and sat outside and watched it. Although I had already seen the movie (scarey) I turned my chair back and decided to just socialize instead of watching it again.

Also saw BLazing Saddles there, remember that one? And Annie Hall also. And, Everything You Wanted To Know About Sex But Were Affraid To Ask.

Oh, Ok I know that building. I just never knew its name, I think its currently a state store. Was next to the continental diner - now Kicks USA.

Yes you are right, I do believe that now it may be the state store. Next to the Continental. That is where we would always have our dinner before the movie. Gezz, Thanks for refreshing my mind on the dinner name.

Everyone,

I have posted several more photos today of the construction in process. Scroll to the first post I entered for more photos.

The Merben was on Frankford, below Cottman. The movie theatre that was on Frankford, between Bridge & Pratt, at 5231 Frankford Ave, was the Ellis Theatre. This theatre opened on 6/25/1928, and when it closed in the early 1970's, it was also known as the Forum Theatre and the Xtasy Theatre. The auditorium was demolished a few years ago.

The theater portion is now a (rather hidden) PPA parking lot. The original stores are still there in front. I believe they were converted in an Einstien Hosp. Outpatient medical facility.

__________________
"Things are starting to get interesting right about now"

All comments made by me on his board are given freely and probably worth what you paid for them.