45 Outdoor Theater Sign, New London, Wisconsin
The weathered sign for the 45 Outdoor Theater in New London, Wisconsin, is a remnant of mid-20th century roadside entertainment. The "45" likely referred to its location along U.S. Highway 45, a common practice for drive-in theaters that sought to attract travelers. Originally a popular community gathering spot, the theater has long since ceased operations, leaving its prominent, rusting signage as a visual marker of a past era. The sign's current state of decay speaks to the decline of drive-in theaters and the changing landscape of entertainment.
Photo taken in November 2009. © 2026 Chad Davis
