THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 4, 2023 Page 3 Looking Back Days of the old Saugus Drive-in were let out of the trunk to enjoy “free” movies. Boudette explained that all the ushers had to do was to check the level of the car. Cars that held extra passengers in their trunks were tipped to the rear, almost dragging the tailpipe on the street. A few kids just could not figure that out when they were refused admittance. Norman and Gail Peach often took their three young children with them for a much-needed night out. In those days babysitters were LOOKING BACK | SEE PAGE 8 The Saugus Drive-In in 1949 (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) By Janice K. Jarosz I t was 1939, our country was at peace, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President and, in Saugus, Massachusetts, a brandnew open-air theater appeared at what is now the Marshalls Shopping Center, at the junction of Route One and Lynn Fells Parkway. In those early years, Saugus was full of things to do, even though automobiles were at a premium. In Cliftondale there was an indoor movie house, in Saugus Center, a pool hall and the indoor State Theatre, and on the Pike, a golf driving range behind Russo’s Candy House, and another golf driving range where the present-day Square One Mall sits. Several churches hosted dances on the weekends and opened their gyms for weekly basketball games. There was plenty to do in Saugus, 1939. At a time before home televisions, video games and the Web, a new “drivein” theater opened. It was an added attraction for teenagers and young families to enjoy an evening of entertainment. Unfortunately, not too many families owned their own vehicles, but for those who did, their teenagers took out the weekly trash and made their beds in the hope of being allowed to borrow the family automobile for a date at the Saugus Drive-In. The late Richard Boudette patronized the theater in his early dating years quite often. During an interview with him, he told me the story of how the ushers always knew who had kids in the trunks of their cars. The price of admittance was based on a per person fee, so some very ingenious patrons packed as many as could fit in the trunk. As soon as the vehicle “passed inspection” and got past the ticket taker, the automobile moved into the parking area and “illegal” guests 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. $9.00 $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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