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Bellwood Drive-In
9201 Jefferson Davis Hwy. (US 1 south at Willis Rd.), Richmond, Va.
capacity: 1,020 cars on a 23-acre lot
years of operation: 1948-86
currently: flea market (active since 1970)

The largest drive-in in the Richmond area, built at a cost of about $200,000, it was originally operated by the NYC-based Fabian circuit, one of the two major chains in Richmond at the time. In the early '50s management was assumed by the other one, locally-based Neighborhood Theatres. Its second screen was added in 1979. After Neighborhood was sold in 1986, the new owners closed the drive-in.

Below are links to photos of the Bellwood from 1948. These originally are from the 1948-49 Theatre Catalog; special thanks to Wesley Horton for providing the scans.
aerial photo of drive-in + views of screen tower
aerial photo 2 of drive-in

Click here to see the 1994 USGS map depicting the Bellwood and surrounding area.
Click here to see a 1994 aerial photo of the Bellwood Flea Market.

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