Drive-in name
The K-42 Drive-in you have listed for Wichita, KS was originally named 42-Skyview Drive-In, back when I was a teenager….nigh on 100 yrs. ago (I’m 62 now). Following is a memory, plus a recipe I made up, that is connected to the 42-Skyview & my husband & I many years ago (very early 1960s). Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you,
Bud & Donna
42-SKYVIEW MEMORIES & “POWER PACKS” (SPECIALTY HAMBURGERS)
When Bud & I were first married & living in Wichita, KS, our “Friday or Saturday night on the town” usually consisted of us stopping at the Henryburger Drive-In on Wichita’s west side & buying 3 Power Packs, 2 orders of fries, & a couple of sodas. Then we would take our sumptuous meal down the road a little ways to the 42 Skyview Drive-In Theatre. Admission there was $1.00 a carload no matter how few or how many people you could cram inside the car. That was part of the fun at the “42”, just seeing how many people could fit inside one car, trunk included! Anyway, Bud would eat his 2 Power Packs & fries, & part of my Power Pack. Those of you who’ve never experienced one I’ll try to describe a Power Pack for you then you’ll understand the reason for the name, & know how to make your own, or at least something close to the original. “Power Packs” were at least 6” across & about 3” thick. This consisted of 3 parts of a hamburger bun (top, middle & bottom); 2 large, very visible hamburger patties (one between each piece of bun), 2 slices of cheese (one on each hamburger patty); lettuce, tomatoes, chopped onions, & dill pickles; & chili beans in a sauce. Lots of napkins were needed!
Ground chuck patties (2 per serving)
Large hamburger buns (6” wide at least), 1 1/2 buns per serving
Dill pickles slices
Lettuce leaves
Tomatoes, sliced or diced
Cheese slices
Chili beans, do NOT drain (I use “BUSH’S BEST”)
Onions, chopped
Napkins ~ Lots of them!
Season ground chuck patties with salt & pepper, & fry or grill. Most of the time I fry the hamburger patties, & prepare everything else & putting each food item in a separate bowl or saucer in the middle of the table. Then I ask everyone to fix their own the way they like it. It’s fun, sloppy, & delicious! It’s also a warm memory for Bud & I! Enjoy! Oh, don’t forget the napkins!
Donna
