Because of John Davis, Mark and Mike Mangham from Twin Blends were holding a bit of Shreveport history in their hands. It was a film reel and speaker from the Joy Drive-In movie theatre once in Shreveport.
“We were so excited,” Mark Mangham said, “We actually looked back in our files of photos that we’ve found at the Northwest Louisiana Archives at LSUS and have several pictures of the Joy Drive-In and the speakers!”
John Davis is the son of Raymond Davis who was once a ‘Motion picture machine operator projectionist’ as his old union card stated according to a 1989 article published in The Shreveport Journal.
For thirteen years, his father was the projectionist at the Joy Drive-In, “I was practically raised there going to work with my father,” recalled John Davis. It was just one of several drive-in theatres that once occupied Shreveport.
Sitting high up in the back of the movie theatre he was the one who received the boos and jeers when the film broke or messed up, “But I was lucky, I was far enough away that it didn’t bother me,” he is quoted as saying with a smile.
In the same article, Davis said he was one of the last remaining projectionists left in this area and would help at The Strand during their summer movie program using old machines. The article, now 35 years old, talked about the changing times of the movie industry.
His son wanted to make sure these old reminders went into the hands of people who would appreciate it. “We love meeting people like John and hearing their fascinating stories,” said Mark Mangham, “People like him and his dad not only make history but preserve it as well!”
They plan to have the items on display when they do their speaking engagements, “That very day, we got home and ordered a small movie theater sign to display along with those relics whenever we go speak. We put his dad‘s name on the marquee in order to honor him and his work!”
The Twin Blends will have several speaking presentations at Shreve Memorial Library this summer.
Monday, July 1 - Wallette Branch - 363 Hearne Ave. - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, July 6 - Belcher Branch - 409 Charles St. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 27 - Atkins Branch - 3704 Greenwood Rd. - 2 p.m.
Learn more on their Facebook page Twin Blends: Northwest Louisiana History Hunters
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