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The Herald-Sun passed along the terrible news today that Bob Groves passed away on Friday morning after a brief hospitalization.  Graves was the owner and operator of Durham's legendary Starlite Drive In theater on East Club Blvd.  He died at the far-too-young age of 55.

The Starlite is one of those quirky, wonderful institutions that gives Durham its character and keeps the Bull City from the suburban sterility that afflicts so much of Wake County.  The Starlite showed first-run movies on its drive-in screen to perhaps the most diverse customer base of any theater in the state; everyone from Duke grad students to families of all stripes and sizes to farm kids from Granville County would come down to see the show.  The concession stand also contained, of all things, a gun & ammo shop, providing for endless amusement (as well as some of the more interesting cross-sell opportunities you can ever imagine.)

How much has the Starlite mattered to Durham?  Well, when the drive-in's screen burned down a few years, loyal customers and members of the community chipped in to raise funds for a new screen to take its place.  In an era when drive-ins close left and right across America, the Bull City came together to keep this one alive.  A plaque in the concession/gun shop commemorates those who gave towards the reconstruction, and the drive-in's own website address (www.saveourstarlite.org) itself recognizes how much this theater has mattered to Durham.

Rest in peace, Bob.

According to its website, the Starlite will be closed until further notice.  More word here as it becomes available.  Details of a memorial service for Graves are also posted on the site.

Comments

[barry]

i heard about this yesterday, but hadn't been able to confirm it. Sad to learn that it's true.

Let's hope there's someone with the vision and wherewithal in Durham to keep this institution running.

[Caren, Robby, and boys]

I just wanted to let you guys know that our thoughts and prayers are with the Graves'family.
I remember how sad I was to learn that the theater was closed due to the fire. Now this is 1 million times worse!! My 5 year old loved going in and talking with Bob and the "dog", as he picked out treats for the movie. It would be awesome if somehow the patrons could come together once again to help keep this historical attraction in business. I'm not from Durham, but I know I'd pitch in as much as I could to help!!
Thanks for all of the fun and memories we were able to have there infront of the "Big Screen", out under the stars!
We'll keep our hearts open and keep hoping for the best for your family!
Caren Simon

[Amelia S]

I can't even begin to put into words how I feel about Bob's death and the closing of the Starlite. When my husband, son and I first moved to the Durham area from KY in 1996 I was disabled from a head injury, unable to work and we didn't have a lot of money. I was happy to discover the Starlite. I had many happy memories of going to the drive-in from my childhood (all of which are unfortunately gone now due to "progress") and we started going to the Starlite at least 2 or 3 times a month; spring, summer and fall. Bob would greet us at the ticket window like we were old friends, and of course Blackie was always at his side. I looked forward to seeing Blackie (Bob's ever-faithful German Shepherd) each time we went there. The Starlite saw me through many sad times by helping me escape my worries for a little while and giving me lots of laughs. How can I forget arriving early and listening to Shaggy singing "It Wasn't Me". After a couple of months I had the whole CD memorized. I will always have happy memories of spending many warm, summer nights under the stars. Bob was a great guy and I was at the last movie showing before the screen burnt a few years ago. Just before that a newspaper reporter was there to get photos for a newspaper story for the Herald-Sun. My husband and I and our Golden Retriever Hoss were right there on the first row in the photo used in the paper. My son and I came to the first showing (the crappy Dukes of Hazard movie) when the Starlite reopened. I've never seen so many happy faces, all because OUR drive-in had reopened. Unfortunately, this was the day before I had to move back to KY. I have missed the Starlite, Bobs friendly greeting, and good old Blackie more than I can say. I hope with all my heart that someone will buy the Starlite and keep it open, but I know that probably won't happen. My son grew up with the Starlite and I know he will be so sad to hear about Bob.

Thanks for letting me have somebody to share this with. What has happened with Blackie? With Bob having no family where did he go? He was pretty old and I'll be sad to hear if he's gone too. I hope someone will e-mail me and let me know if he's ok.