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Fifth-grader launches petiton to save Iola drive-in theatre

Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tribune Staff Report
IOLA -- In the past few days, more than 1,400 Southeast Kansas residents have signed a petition calling on B&B Theatres to stop its plans to close and demolish the historic 54 Drive-In in Gas, a Kansas landmark since it opened in 1951.

The petition drive has been led by Iola fifth grader Caleb Johnson, 10, who was upset by news reports in the Iola Register describing the theater company's plans to close the drive-in facility. Each weekend in the summer, the drive-in is packed with hundreds of movie-goers who attend the night's double features, according to a statement from the Iola Chamber of Commerce.

Despite strong attendance numbers, B&B Theatres has cited the cost of maintenance as the reason for closing the facility.

"All we're asking is for B&B to give the community where they were founded a chance to save an important part of its heritage," Deidra Johnson, Caleb's mother, said. "The out-of-town managers who made this decision seem to not care about our community or the role this plays in who we are. After years of letting the drive-in facility deteriorate our community stands ready to help refurbish it and bring it back to life in partnership with B&B Theatres."

Offers of local labor and donations of material have been made to get the theatre back into top condition. The drive-in is one of only eight theaters of its type remaining in Kansas.

Anyone interested in supporting the petition drive can contact Deidra Johnson at (620) 365-7489. Concerned area residents may also contact B&B Theatres Owner Bob Bagby at (816) 407-7469.

© Copyright 2009 Fort Scott Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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I spoke to Deidra Johnson just now and offered my assistance in their project to restore and maintain their drive-in theater.

Apparently they have has less than enthusiastic responce from the owner.

I ask about historical possability and Deidra said they had looked into this possability.

I left Deidra with my e-mail address and phone #.

It is too bad Fort Scott and Pittsburg, Yates Center, and Joplin allowed their theaters to go into history.

Those of us who remember the evenings spent with our family watching movies outside can still appreciate these historical sights.

I encourage everyone to offer their ideas and help these children to presrve a piece of history.

-- Posted by Citizen4change on Thu, Oct 29, 2009, at 6:48 PM

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