Lynn Auto Theatre
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The Lynn Auto Theatre is Ohio's oldest drive-in theater and the second oldest continuously running drive-in theater in the world. Lynn's is located in Strasburg, Ohio. Construction of "Boyer's Auto Theater," as it was originally known, began in the summer of 1935. Owners Andy Thompson and Roland Boyer also built a restaurant, a gas station, a golf driving range and an arcade on the grounds and the theater opened in the spring of 1937. Boyer operated and owned the complex through 1948.
In the spring of 1948, Ward Franklin and his son-in-law Ray McCombs purchased the theater complex and changed the name to Lynn Auto Theatre, in honor of McCombs' daughter, Judy Lynn.
In the 1950s the golf range, restaurant, and gas station were all closed. In late 1957, Richard R. Reding (I) and his son Richard W. (Dick) Reding (II) and his wife Ennice (Abby) purchased The Lynn Auto Theatre.
In 1967, a second screen was added along with the traditional speaker post sound system, making the theater a twin-screen Drive-In.
In 1970, Dick's (II) son Rick (III) joined his father in the family-owned business. The father-and-son team owned and operated the theater through the 1970s and 1980s.
In the 1980s, Dick (II) retired from operating the theater and his son Rick (III) operated the theater full-time.
In 1996, new stereo audio soundheads, two dolby FM stereo transmitters and audio boards were installed for both screens, allowing patrons to enjoy first run movies, in stereo, from their vehicle's radio.
In 1997, Rick's (III) sons Rick (IV) and Jamie joined the family-owned business (now a 4-generation business) and continue to operate Lynn's to this day.
In 2001, both projection units were overhauled and refurbished and in 2002, both screen towers were painted and the concession stand and classic arcade were improved.
The Lynn Auto Theater is now one of the few grass drive-ins left in the world. It can hold 225 vehicles and its operating season is from April through September.
