Drive-In, Fly-In Movies

Sea Girt got a new Mack Pumper for the Fire Company. It could push out 600 gallons per minute and cost $12,950. The fire company contributed $1,000 and the Borough used bonds for the rest. 18 men were certified to drive the truck. Former Lifeguard John Holthusen was the councilman who led the charge for a new truck.

The Diaper Den, a new service opened at the Collingwood Circle Shore Drive-In. Ted Gaetner managed the outdoor seasonal movie theater. His infant son William was the first to use the service.

Lullaby Diaper Service set up cellophane-wrapped, hospital-sterilized cotton diapers and a changing room with a bassinet, baby lotion, and baby powder in the ladies’ room next to the snack shed.

Advertisement for the Bathinette changing table, similar to the one at the Shore Drive-In

“Mama can now exchange for free of charge a soiled diaper for a clean one, and use the facilities to change the baby. We think we are the first in the country to offer this service,” Ted said.

The drive-in started in Camden NJ in 1933. but the outdoor movie concept did not catch on until after the war. WWII restricted miles driven to save rubber on tires, oil and gas. There was a public campaign against pleasure driving. After 1950, the number of drive-ins rose from under 100 to over 1,000.

During the War, oil gas and rubber were rationed and trips were discouraged

At the confluence of 34 & 33 in Wall families enjoyed the movies from their car (facebook)

The Shore Drive-In also was the first to offer bottle warming service for moms a few years earlier. Drive-ins were popular with families and couples visiting the Shore. The Free playground under the screen allowed kids to burn off some energy before many fell kids asleep during the feature.

There was a more interesting movie theater just down rt 34. Ed Brown at the Wall Airport opened the Fly-in Drive-in Theater which provided a drive-in movie experience to airplane pilots and passengers.

Speaking of Drive-ins, Richard Friedel opened "The Circus Drive-In" on Route 35 in Wall Township. The unique round building had a charcoal grill and rotisserie. Car-hop and self-service were offered. In addition to burger stand fare, clam strips and soft shell crab sandwiches were on the menu. It was open daily from 11:30 A.M. to 2:30 A.M. The familiar round building with the bigtop roof and clown sign lasted until 2018.

Ted Gaetner went from movies to beef. At the location of today’s Harrigans, he took over the Fireside, the old Lou’s Cottage Inn and went with an all beef menu. Roast Beef was very popular, and Ted specialized in prime rib. Other than Friday, where he offered lobsters for Catholics, the Ribroom at the Fireside just served beef.

Prime Rib was $4.50 with a huge salad tableside, a baked potato, and a vegetable. The “Adam cut”, on the bone, was 25 cents extra.