Where the movies are played, nostalgic memories have been made on Route 66 at the Admiral Twin Drive-In in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The theater is known to be a legendary part of Route 66, holding American sentimentality and a piece of history on the Mother Road. For a little over 74 years, Admiral Twin has allowed people to go back in time, smell popcorn, hear the laughs, and enjoy the films that bring them unforgettable experiences.
Built in 1951, the Admiral Twin was originally named “Modernaire.” Fast forward a year later, the drive-in added a second screen, renaming it the “Admiral Twin.” For the next half-century, the business thrived before streaming, and cable television became available. As a result of the rise in streaming services from the late 90’s to the early 2000’s, this caused a shift in the film industry, decreasing drive-in movie traffic. Additionally, on the third of September 2010, Admiral Twin was tragically caught on fire, leading to the shutdown of the drive-in for over a year. In my interview with the owner of Admiral Twin, Blake Smith, he stated, “That event was incredibly difficult—it was probably the hardest time of my life. Navigating through that period was overwhelming, especially with all the uncertainty about whether we could rebuild or where we might find the necessary funding. But something amazing happened: the citizens of Tulsa rallied behind us. Their support made it clear how much the community valued the Drive-In. We received about $30,000 in donations, which was unbelievable. Kids came forward, offering their coins and dollar bills. It was truly heartwarming to see just how much the public wanted the Drive-In to return.” Knowing that the community came together shows how important the drive-in is to history and the public.
With that being said, Admiral Twin is more than just a couple of screens and films being shown. In fact, the theater has a major influence on travelers driving along Route 66. Smith mentioned, “They emerged and gained popularity around the same time, symbolizing freedom, exploration, and the open road. This shared heritage creates a natural connection between the two.” Likewise, the theater and Route 66 go hand in hand with one another, as they both provide timeless memories. He additionally stated, “At least once or twice a month, we have guests mention that visiting the Admiral Twin is their first time at a drive-in, and they stopped by because they’re traveling Route 66.” Travelers that are visiting Admiral Twin can expect to have a warm welcome, affordable entertainment, and an overall nostalgic feeling. In addition, for many Tulsans, Admiral Twin holds sentimental, forever-lasting memories. Memories of first dates, deciding what candy to snack on, family traditions, cozy blankets, and even sneaking in as kids. As for Ashleigh Brazell, who grew up in the neighborhood next to Admiral Twin, stated, “I have a lot of childhood memories there. I remember loading up the truck with pillows, blankets, folding chairs, and snacks, and I knew that a night of summer fun was about to unfold. When I think of Admiral Twin, I’ll always remember and cherish the times I spent with my parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.” The memories that took place at the drive-in will always be kept alive through stories passed down from generations. These specific memories are what the community loves about the theater, and what keeps people coming back for more.
Altogether, Admiral Twin Drive-In is a longstanding, historical part of Route 66. It has survived through advancing technology, economic changes, and the fire. However, the real history of the drive-in isn’t about the fire or the hardships. The real history of Admiral Twin Drive-In is the resilience of the owner, the community, and generations of people connected to the theater. As well as many memories made, and many more to come.
Kamron Williams is a student at Tulsa Community College and a contributing writer for The TCC Connection.
