The Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre opened on April 14, 1948 and was the first drive-in theatre to open in Lakeland, Florida. It was built, owned & operated by I. Q. Mize and M. G. Waring.

The opening attraction was “UP GOES MAIZIE” starring Ann Sothern and George Murphy. The admission of 35 cents per person included a short subject, a cartoon and the latest newsreel. The opening announcement in the Lakeland Ledger stated that the theatre featured 357 individual R.C.A. speakers, a new innovation at this time. A flyer dated April 26-27, 1948 advertised the theatre as “FLORIDA’S NEWEST MOST MODERN OUTDOOR THEATRE.”

The original snack bar was located near the theatre entrance. During the movie, vendors would circulate among the cars, selling candy, soft drinks, popcorn, sandwiches and cigarettes.

The front side of the screen facing the street featured a beautiful mural of a beach, giant palm trees, rippling water and a Silvery Moon among the clouds overhead.