The Central held 1400 cars and had a concave screen according to a former owner, and was located at 1700 Long Pond Road between Ridgeway Avenue and Lyell Avenue. It was designed by a well known architect and boasted one of the largest screens in the world (62'x45'), as well as a huge fountain on the marquee side of the screen, and a dance hall built into the screen tower.
    The grand opening took place on August 1st, 1946, making it Rochester's second drive-in theater. It's first show was "Cover Girl" starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. Owned and operated by E. Graden, Elmer H. Ellis, and Wm. Tishkoff at an initial cost of $130,000.
    The Central closed at the end of the 1982 season, and its land now contains a large complex of townhouses. If YOU have any pictures, please send me an e-mail!!

Grand Opening Day Ad (from Rochester Democrat & Chronicle - August 1, 1946)

Grand Opening Day Article (from Rochester Democrat & Chronicle - August 1, 1946)

Central match book cover - front (circa 1950s)

Central match book cover - back

Central match book cover - inside

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Last updated May 23, 2006

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