Blackford Drive-In

The infamous Blackford Drive-In, known for its 16 years of showing XXX-rated films, was initially constructed in 1952 by the Sheidler Theatre Company, and was later owned by Harold Thompson. The theater was located South of Hartford City by Ind. 3.

The theater was known for its’ adult film showings, from 1960-1986, and even had a few charges of molestation which occurred between drive-in patrons during its’ later years. The theater was closed by the owner, Harold Thompson, to escape from obscenity charges after a police raid in 1986, where they confiscated two films, Viva Vanessa, and Touch Me in the Morning, but also faced decreased business due to the birth of home video rental.

Officials waived prosecution against Thompson after he agreed not to show any more XXX-rated films, but the theater was officially closed in 1987. After several auctions, the site was sold to new owners, who built Track Side Training Center, which featured stables and horse racing track, but the site is now unoccupied.