The Derby-Port Drive-In Theatre stood on Route 5/ Derby Road in Derby, Vermont, between 1950 and 1984. Two of the owners were Don and Irene McNally of Derby. They were early pioneers in the drive-in movie world. Don, who grew up on the Vaudeville circuit, made his appearance on the stage for his time when he was only a few weeks old. He attended 306 schools before he graduated from high school. Mr. McNally died on October 21, 1990.

This was the view from Route 5/ Derby Road 

View from atop the screen looking out over the parking lot 

View from the parking lot looking at the screen 

  Another view of the screen and the playground that attracted children in the time leading up to the start of the movie

Any of us who attended the theatre as children remember this elephant slide 

A night at the theatre wouldn't have seemed right without a trip to the snack bar 

Cars lined up along Route 5/Derby Rd. in the minutes leading up to the openning of the gates 

Don McNally was born a showman, and he lived his life as a showman. Don is the third from the left in this photo. 

Don McNally (center) was also a muscian 

 The 128-page book tells the story of the Derby-Port and Morrisville Drive-In Movie Theatres sells for $14.95 (free shipping and handling in the U.S). The book is filled with memories and photos of the Derby-Port and Morrisville Drive-In Theatres.  To order a copy send a check or money order to: Vermont’s Northland Journal, P.O. Box 812, Derby, VT 05829.

  Or order online 

Limited Time Offer!!!!!!

 Listen to Don McNally on the Vermont Voice by clicking here:

 Don McNally and the Derby-Port Drive-In