Drive In Theatre

Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Statement of Significance

The Drive–in Theatre represents a cultural activity that came to York in the 1960s but was relatively short lived due to technology developments. Drive-ins traditionally engender memories for the enjoyment of that entertainment that is almost no longer practiced.

Physical Description

The expansive site is partially fenced, remnants of bitumen ramped rows, the remains of a timber framed and Asbestos clad entry ticket booth, and the timber framed and clad two storey concession and ablutions at ground floor and bio box above. The screen is not evident.

History

After York was opened for selection in 1830, the first settlers, arrived in 1831 from the Swan River settlement with the task of establishing a Government Farm. Balladong Farm was settled in 1831 by William Heal, later H. Bland after whom Blandstown is named. Stephen Stanley Parker had arrived in the Colony with his parents in 1830. After marrying Elizabeth Sewell in 1844 he purchased Balladong Farm in 1848. During the 1850s, Parker developed the property into a very successful farm. The “village” now known as Blandstown, the oldest privately settled part of the York town, developed around Balladong Farm due to the influential presence, water supply, and the river crossing. Wheeler Street area was developed in the 1860s when Robert Wheeler organised for five houses to be built in the street, opposite to where the drive-in was constructed 100 years later. It is not known what this site was used for in the intervening years.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate/High

Condition

Fair

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update