Boxoffice-March.04.1950

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Often used as a free attraction in company with paid rides, this Noah's Ark is actually a children's
zoo. It has parent appeal as well as child interest because of its Biblical background.
A large version of this attraction will become the entrance to the extensile Kiddyland described
on page 59.
I
Continued from preceding page'
should cover scenic attractions along the
route, as well as stioictural features of interest
such as trestles, bridges, tunnels,
perhaps small hills or a dip under the roadway.
Special in.stallations along the route
such as a small zoo or stuffed animals provide
added interest and child appeal.
In selecting rides it should be remembered
that young patrons are restless, inquisitive
and experimental persons. They should
be given something to do while they are
enjoying the ride for just 'round and 'round
may not be enough to occupy their alert
minds. On small rides, such as auto or
boat rides, a common device is the use of
a wheel which the children can turn with
the feeling that they are steering the vehicle.
Actually, it may not turn anything,
since the car is probably fixed in a track.
Safely engineered rides do not give youngsters
the chance to control the device to
such an extent that they can hurt themselves
or others through carelessness, misjudgment,
or devilishness.
Other useful devices that appeal to the
very young are such harmless features as
bells to ring or horns to toot.
Most ride manufacturers have not gone
very seriously into the market-potential
represented by drive-in theatres, partly because
Xhe field is so new that they have
not had the time to plan a promotional
campaign. A substantial iX)rtion of major
rides have been made for many years by a
relatively few old-line firms. The more recent
development of kiddylands in amusement
and miniature parks has brought
many new and entirely sound finns into
the field which means the market is likely
to become increasingly competitive. One
result should be a wider range of rides from
which the drive-in operator may make his
choice.
A caution against the purchase of Inferior
equipment is in order for occasionally
an inadequately tested device may be
placed upon the market. It is always wise
to be certain of the reliability of the manufacturer
of each and to be sure that each
Screen Towers As You Want Them
Low Cos f...Sfur(lY... Durable
The A-frame screen tower, illustrated here, is made in three sizes: 30-ft. x 40-ft.
curved to assure freedom from keystoning.
SIMPLE ERECTION
PIca.e send informohon on. U s„„n Tower nearest Timber Structures office, or fill in and mail the coupon.
„MBER STRUCTURES -NC^ 8. Oregon
p 0. Box 3782G, f ^ A-lrome Screen Tower
Build your drive-in theatre around a Timber Structures screen tower, and
you get a low cost installation that will give you long time service with a
minimum of maintenance.
PRICED AT $2,067 UPWARD
37'/2"ft- ^ 50-ft.; and 45-ft. x 60-ft. Prices include all necessary hardware.
Made of structural quality Douglas fir timbers, the A-frame screen tower is
designed to withstand wind velocities up to 100 miles per hour. To save erection
time and labor, face of the tower is made of %-in. exterior grade waterproof plywood,
with all sides and edges primed and sealed against moisture. Surface is
The A-frame screen tower may be completed on the ground and swung into
position, or it may be erected in place. Glare curtains, ladder and walkway optional.
For further information on the A-frame or Swing-Up screen towers, see your
Timber Structures, Inc.
p. O. BOX 3782G, PORTLAND 8, OREGON
Offices in Boise, Idaho; Eugene, Oregon; Lawrenceville, N.J.;
Chicago; Dollos; Kansas City; New York; Seattle; Spokone
TIMBER STRUCTURES, INC. OF CALIFORNIA. Oakland and Sacramento
Locol representatives coast to coast
56 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION