Post #388490 by whorton on Sat, Jun 21, 2008 4:02 AM

Allow your humble servant to offer a few ideas. . .

I have spent a few years doing "drive-in archaeology," IE the same sort of stuff Sven has done for Tiki, I had done for drive-in theatres. There are more than a few of my pictures and research in Don Sanders books about drive-in theatres, as well as his DVD feature. But I digress. . .

If someone has a little spare time, a lot can probably be learned about the old DTB. Since someone found a picture that appeared in the Dallas paper, contact the paper for a much better copy of the picture. It will probably cost about $20 or so. Secondly, the article mentioned, one, "Chuck Gaetani." I am betting he is older, but probably still alive. Check the phone books and make a few calls. I bet he can probably supply some great pictures, stories, and other managers names. Chances are good, he can tell you exactly why it closed and when.

Another avenue is old aerial photographs. There are companies that take such pics annually. You can usually get copies of those for about the same price, $20 or so. They will show you what the restaurant and lot looked like and give you a good idea when it was demolished.

Lastly, look in the libraries vertical file and or old newspapers (especially the entertainment section) where you will likely find pictures of the restaurant and old advertisements. There might even be a short article about the place opening or closing. . .

Sometimes you can find great material easily, sometimes nothing. . but you never know till you try. Somthing else to remember is these guys (managers and such) are getting older and, well, passing on. The sooner someone looks them up, the better. . .

Regards,
Wesley Horton
American Institute of Drive-in archeology