History and Renovation

The Moonlite Theatre: A Living Piece of Abingdon History

The Moonlite Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia first opened in 1949 (see first photo above). It was established by businessman T.D. Field (Thomas Dewey Field, Sr.) (October 28, 1900 – October 12, 1977), a regional entrepreneur who owned multiple businesses across Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Mr. Field owned the T.D. Field Lumber Company in Concord, North Carolina, along with several drive-in and indoor theatres. Research to date shows that he owned or operated:

• The Beacon Theatre – Bristol, TN

• Clinch Theatre – Tazewell, VA

• Sunset Theatre - Tazewell, VA

• Welch Theatre - Welch, WV

• Gaither Theatre - Gaithersburg, MD

• Lee Theatre – Bluefield, VA

• Midway Theatre – Keen Mountain, VA

• Valley Theatre – North Tazewell, VA

• Zyphyr Theatre - Abingdon, VA

• Coal Town Theatre

According to Ernest Clevinger, who worked for Mr. Field in the late 1950s, Field also owned the Zephyr Theatre in Abingdon and another known as Coal Town Theatre. We found that Mr. Field stored paperwork from all his businesses in the Moonlite’s screen tower. Today, we have uncovered six large trash bags full of documents that remain to be sorted—treasures that will undoubtedly reveal even more about the Moonlite’s past.

(See Bristol Herald Courier article dated 5/11/49)

A Mid-Century Drive-In Landmark

The Moonlite Theatre is a rare and iconic example of America’s mid-century drive-in culture. At its peak, the property featured:

• A double-sided neon marquee

• Approximately 500 reverse-incline parking spaces

• A 56-foot screen tower

• A combined projection booth and concession stand, topped with a stage for live performances

Mr. Clevinger recalled that live entertainers once performed on the roof of the concession stand, including Little Jimmy Dickens. With the exception of the rooftop stage, all original structures still remain.

The Moonlite complex also included the Moonlite Grill, operated by Rev. Ernest J. Statzer—well known locally as the owner of Statzer’s Cafeteria. The grill building, located at the bottom of the hill when entering the property, now houses the VFW. (See matchbook photo)

Opening Night & Early Attractions

The very first movie shown at the Moonlite premiered on June 9, 1949—Down to Earth (1947), starring Rita Hayworth and Larry Parks. (See Bristol Herald Courier ad dated 6/8/49)

During renovations, we made an incredible discovery: papers fell from the ceiling insulation, including the original shipping invoice for that very first film. The packet revealed that at least 13 different productions played during the Moonlite’s first 17 days, ranging from short cartoons to full-length movies.

The original grounds also featured:

• Two shuffleboard courts

• A children’s playground with swings, see-saws, a merry-go-round, carousel, slides, and more

Carlton Davidson, who lived in the apartment beneath the screen tower in the early 1970s, provided drawings and photographs of the playground equipment. (See drawings and collage)

At some point, Mr. Field added a 19-hole miniature golf course on the hill near the screen tower—likely built to outdo another popular 18-hole course operated locally by the Carter family. Field went one step further by adding an extra hole and even introducing orange golf balls in addition to the traditional red, blue, yellow, and green. We believe we now own one of those original golf balls, unearthed during trenching for new water lines. (See golf ball photo)

New Owners & Generations of Memories

In 1965, Mr. Field sold the Moonlite to Walter “Whitey” and Beulah “Boots” Mays. They had previously operated theatres in Haysi and Saltville, Virginia. Many community members fondly remember the Moonlite during their ownership—and I am proud to be one of them. (See photo of Whitey in the ticket booth)

When the Mays retired in 1992, they sold the theatre to William Ottway Booker. (See photo of Booker in the projection booth) Mr. Booker was a devoted Elvis Presley fan, and anyone who attended movies during his era remembers the Elvis stories, the nightly Elvis song, and the playing of “Moonlight Drive-In” by Turner Nichols (1993).

Preservation & Closure

Thanks to the work of Mike Pulice, Architectural Historian with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the Moonlite was added to both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. At that time, it was one of only three drive-ins nationwide on the National Register. Three more have been added since 2007 bringing the total to six.  (See photo from the application)

After the 2013 season, Mr. Booker was forced to close the Moonlite due to the industry’s transition from 35mm film to digital projection. He was unable to secure funding for the required equipment. The Moonlite remained closed for years. (See marquee photos from 2013–2024)

Our Personal Connection & the Road Back

My husband, Kyle, had known Booker for years and had done electrical work at the Moonlite. In fact, our first date in 1992 involved Booker driving us in his limo—and later arranging a flight on his private airplane to Knoxville. We married the following year and maintained a connection to both Booker and the Moonlite.

In 2016, we partnered with Booker to attempt a grassroots reopening. The Moonlite operated briefly that fall, with the final 35mm film—Sully starring Tom Hanks—shown on November 12, 2016. Sadly, due to several issues surrounding Booker including his poor health and passing in 2017, the project could not continue.

During the COVID pandemic, the Barter Theatre utilized the property for outdoor performances, launching Barter at the Moonlite in 2020 and Music at the Moonlite in 2021. Afterward, the Moonlite once again sat dormant.

A Last-Minute Rescue

In March 2024, the Moonlite was listed for sale. Kyle saw the post on Facebook. At the time, we were living in Nashville while I worked as a school nurse, planning retirement in 2026. Although beach plans were in place for spring break, something unexplainable pulled us back to Bristol.

Unbeknownst to me, Kyle scheduled a showing on March 13, 2024, and spoke with our daughter and son-in-law about restoring the Moonlite together. We made an offer that afternoon—while another group prepared to view the property shortly after. Our offer was accepted. We later learned the other group intended to seek permission to demolish the theatre.

I truly believe the Moonlite was one hour away from being torn down.

(See post-closing photos)

Restoration Begins

The condition of the property was far worse than in 2016: cut electrical lines, damaged underground wiring, collapsed roofs, water intrusion, termite damage, painted-over neon, and fallen fencing. If not for the concrete and steel structure, the Moonlite would not have survived.

Our goal has always been to preserve historical accuracy while restoring the Moonlite with a fresh, vibrant 1950s-inspired look. With guidance from Mike Pulice, we selected colors that were later discovered beneath old paint layers.

Since purchasing the property, every area has been touched:

• Overgrown vegetation removed

• 2.5 acres cleared and leveled

• Marquee restored with fabricated letters and LED neon

• Roofs repaired

• Corrugated fencing installed

• Screen repaired and repainted

• Ticket booth restored

• New water, electric, and septic systems installed

• Screen tower resurfaced and relit

• Apartment beneath the screen tower fully renovated

Opening Events: Virginia Highlands Festival (August 2024)

As part of the Virginia Highlands Festival’s 75th anniversary, we were honored to officially host our first major event at the restored Moonlite in August 2024. Because the Moonlite was also celebrating it's 75th Anniversary, the festival approached us about using the venue for an outdoor concert, and with a mix of excitement and nerves, we said yes.

The concert featured Clint Black, along with Lance Stinson, and Mason Ramsey. The evening included live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and an incredible group of Highlands Festival volunteers who helped make the night a tremendous success. It was a joyful and meaningful way to reintroduce the Moonlite to the community.

Continuing Renovations: Concession Stand & Projection Booth

Following the festival concert, we turned our full attention to completing the most critical remaining areas of the Moonlite: the concession stand and projection booth.

• The concession stand was fully updated to meet modern code requirements

• New larger restrooms were added

• A 1950s-inspired diner aesthetic was introduced

• Seating areas were created that could also be used for private events

• A museum space was added to display Moonlite history

• The original 35mm projector is now on display

• Artwork by Price Youngman, inspired by the Moonlite, was installed

• Restroom tile was selected to closely match the original colors

We also installed a brand-new, state-of-the-art 35,000-lumen laser projector, along with all new audio and projection equipment—bringing the Moonlite fully into the digital era while honoring its past.

Official Reopening & 2025 Season Highlights

The Moonlite Theatre officially reopened for new-release movies on July 18, 2025, debuting with Superman and F1. From July 18 through December 13, we showed 67 different titles, demonstrating the wide range of experiences the Moonlite can host.

Our 2025 season included:

• First-run movies

• Classic and retro films

• Special event screenings

• Community-focused programming

In addition, we were proud to once again partner with the Virginia Highlands Festival for another concert at the Moonlite.

We also hosted a two-night, free film festival in conjunction with the festival, showcasing local filmmakers and celebrating regional creativity—further expanding what the Moonlite can be as a cultural venue.

 

f you have stories, photos, or information to share, please reach out. I will continue researching and preserving the Moonlite’s history.

Thank you,
Renee