SUMMER HILL, ILL. -- It’s a piece of Americana, and it can be yours for $245 thousand dollars.
The Clark 54 Drive-In just outside the tiny town of Summer Hill Illinois is for sale.
The iconic, 10-acre site along U.S. Highway 54 has attracted thousands of moviegoers from both sides of the Mississippi River since it first opened in 1952. It has been owned for more than a decade by Mike Glass.
Profits and changes in the movie business aren’t forcing Glass out. He decided to sell for personal reasons.
Although the movie industry is switching to digital formats, Glass said reel-to-reel movies are still available, although he recommends a new owner make the expensive switch.
The 70-feet by 35-feet steel screen was updated a few years ago and the septic system has been given health department approval.
A 30-feet by 44-feet building in the center of the grounds contains the projection room, restrooms and a concession that features everything from a pickle called a “Chilly Dilly” to a sign that reads “Removal of clothing prohibited at all times.”
Wade Real Estate in Pittsfield is handling the sale. The firm can be reached at 217-285-2774.
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