Last Chance Drive-Inn • 2038 North Main

Summerime Treats From ca. 1953 to 1960
Remodeled Building Still Stands

Photo 1959-60


COURTESY OF YVONNE PROUL HUFFORD
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On the Map...


The Last Chance Drive-Inn (sometimes noted as Drive-In) operated from the early 1950s until about 1960. Tax records say the 2038 North Main St. building was constructed in 1950, but the first newspaper ads for the Drive-Inn appear in 1953. It was a summertime operation.

It was opened by Margaret Vetter "Buggs" Fletcher (1913-1992) and her husband Gilbert B. "Joe" Fletcher.





The "floating hamburger" was apparently a short-lived item on the menu. It was essentially a burger with a chili-based sauce, and perhaps some additional fixings.

In 1963, L. C. McDonald received a permit to remodel the building to the tune of $6K -- which works out to about $50K in today's money. The building and lot have primarily been used car dealerships since 1963, but has also been the Niblack Slenderizing Salon and Jan’s House of Vacuums & Sewing Machines. As of July 2024, it is a used car dealership, Gary's Auto Plaza.

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