The Sunset Drive-In and Roller Rink in Hamburg was once a favorite date night spot. Although the forest has taken over the attractions, the memories still linger at the Sunset. Let’s take a tour of what’s left of this nostalgic spot.
This tour is brought to us by our friends over at AbandonedAR. They travel to forgotten locations all over the state to preserve these places through historic documentation.
The Sunset is on private property so please, no trespassing.
The Sunset Drive-In and Roller Rink was once the hottest spot in Hamburg.
www.AbandonedAR.com/Michael Schwarz, Ginger Beck The Sunset originally opened in the sixties but was forced to close in the nineties because of the changing times and declining business.
Today the drive-in and rink still stand but the forest has reclaimed the property.
www.AbandonedAR.com/Michael Schwarz, Ginger Beck Charlie Carpenter purchased the land for the attractions from the Crossett Lumber Company for his three sons. At the time, Carpenter also owned the airport and the Carpenters clothing stores.
Although the buildings are returning to Mother Nature, the Sunset still holds on to many of its original possessions.
www.AbandonedAR.com/Michael Schwarz, Ginger Beck Film, skates, even the occasional popcorn bucket are preserved at the site.
Even the movie screen could still be used today.
www.AbandonedAR.com/Michael Schwarz, Ginger Beck Albeit there may be some trees in the way, the screen is completely intact.
Locals would flock to the Sunset for date nights and birthdays.
www.AbandonedAR.com/Michael Schwarz, Ginger Beck Return of the Jedi and Flash Gordon were some of the films that the drive-in featured. This was also one of the few places in the area that employed local teenagers.
Charlie Carpenter’s son continued to run the Sunset until its closure in the nineties.
www.AbandonedAR.com/Michael Schwarz, Ginger Beck Tragically, a flying accident killed Charles and two of his sons. After that only Robert A. Carpenter owned the Sunset.
We can only hope that the Sunset continues to persevere.
www.AbandonedAR.com/Michael Schwarz, Ginger Beck The property is still owned by the Carpenters out of nostalgia.
For more pictures, you can read AbandonedAR’s full article right here.
www.AbandonedAR.com/Michael Schwarz, Ginger Beck
The Sunset originally opened in the sixties but was forced to close in the nineties because of the changing times and declining business.
Charlie Carpenter purchased the land for the attractions from the Crossett Lumber Company for his three sons. At the time, Carpenter also owned the airport and the Carpenters clothing stores.
Film, skates, even the occasional popcorn bucket are preserved at the site.
Albeit there may be some trees in the way, the screen is completely intact.
Return of the Jedi and Flash Gordon were some of the films that the drive-in featured. This was also one of the few places in the area that employed local teenagers.
Tragically, a flying accident killed Charles and two of his sons. After that only Robert A. Carpenter owned the Sunset.
The property is still owned by the Carpenters out of nostalgia.
Do you have memories of the Sunset? Reminisce with us in the comments below!
For another step back in time, tour this abandoned theatre. It used to be the showplace of the south.
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