HomeDrive-In TheatersMeredith Drive-In Theatre - Meredith, MI

Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Meredith MI 

Address: 9555 N. M-18
City: Meredith
State: MI
Zip: 48624
County: Gladwin
Open: 1956 (6-21-56)
Closed: N/A
Capacity: 350 (1957-1965) 400 (1977)
Owner History: Cassidy & Weiss (1957) Carl Ludwick (1965) G. Muma (1977) M.Hargrave (1985)
Number of visits to this page: 13983
General Information:

Source: Andrew Wilson AKA The Librarian

The Meredith Drive-In actually had its first Grand Opening in 1952. The second owner, Lawrence Weiss loved to buy large ads stating "Grand Opening" every year, plus he knew how to promote the DI in the local papers. Here are some articles: New Drive-In Opens South of Prudenville Ogemaw County Herald - Thursday June 5, 1952 A new drive-in theatre, the Meredith Drive-In, was recently opened on M-18, 12 miles south of Prudenville and is owned and operated by Hank and Kay Gardner. Mr. Gardner stated that he will only show first run features and said that his drive-in has the latest sound and projection equipment.

The new theatre will be open seven days a week, rain or shine. It is the policy that all children under 12 years of age will be admitted free. Opens New Drive-In Theatre Roscommon Herald News - Thursday June 5, 1952 - Page 1 The Meredith Drive-In Theatre located 12 miles south of Prudenville on M-18 opened May 23. A double feature show starts at dark with the main feature about 10 oclock. There will be a showing 7 nights a week, rain or shine, of first run pictures. Hank and Kay Gardner, managers state that they have the latest sound and projection equipment to assure you of an enjoyable . Children under 12 years of age are admitted free when accompanied by their parents.

Meredith Theater Near Prudenville To Open On Friday, May 9 Ogemaw County Herald - Thursday May 8, 1958 - Page 1, 12 Announcement is being made this week by Lawrence Weiss, owner, that the Meredith Drive-In Theatre will hold its grand opening for the summer season on Friday and Saturday, May 9-10. The Meredith will be open on Fridays and Saturdays during the month of May and four nights each week during June, after which a full-time schedule of pictures will be in effect. A twin bill will feature the opening with "Run of the Arrow" and "Escapade in Japan" being billed. Treats for the kiddies, free popcorn will be given opening nights and free passes will be given to the lucky ticket holders each night during the season.

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Info Updates:
2/21/2011 - Tanille Cavanaugh
I live in Meredith with my father and Mother. My Aunts and Grandmother still live here in Meredith. They have told me stories about the theatre when it was open and after it had closed. They told me stories about how the original concession stand was pretty much destroyed by local children and some immature young adults. The screen is still there but the new concession stand has been turned into a house. I wasn't given the privilege of going to the theatre when it was open or any drive in actually. I would love to have been able to see it when it was open and in business.
5/9/2006 - Pat Weaver
The original wooden tower bulit in 1952 was doubled in size in 1957. That screen collapsed in 1973 and was replaced with the metal tower that still stands today.
9/11/2004 - Pat Weaver
I worked there for four different managements 1970-86. G.Muma never owned the place, never operated it. He almost did. A long story. I think it ran till 1988, with Al & Sharon Puhar owning it. It is right now (6/30/04) in very nice shape and very restorable, but I do think the concession stand is a summer cabin right now. I think it could be a money maker HANDLED RIGHT! for a change. It would be the only central Michigan outdoor theater.
9/11/2004 - Pat Weaver
The last people to operate Meredith Drive In were the Puhars, who also owned a restaurant in Meredith. A new septic system was installed there in 1980. I helped put it in. Very well kept, the drive in concession is used as a residence. Just wish we could see a picture on the screen.
12/18/2003 - Box Office Magazine
May 1959 - Lawrence Weiss, owner of the Meredith Drive-In at Meredith, died recently. The theatre is being operated by his widow, with buying and booking of film handled by General Theatre Services.
12/18/2003 - Box Office Magazine
May 1960 - Fred Bennet, who has been in the insurance business, is taking over the Meredith Drive-In, formerly operated by Wilbur B. Cassidy and the late Lawrence C. Weiss.
10/16/2003 - MichiganDriveIns.com
The Meredith Drive-In remains intact, screen and snack bar are still standing. See photos. The owner of the Meredith Drive-In also owns a local restaurant, indicated she closed the drive-in about 15 years ago due to the introduction of the VCR. A calendar found in the heavily vandalized snack bar indicate the drive-in was still open in July of 1988. Some of the movies listed were Rambo, The Presidio, Hamburger Hill, Red Heat, and the Great Outdoors. Also found in the snack bar was a notice from the Central Michigan District Health Dept. The notice dated 9-1-77, effectively closed the drive-in for various health violations, including the requirement for a new sewage disposal system, based on a 322 car capacity. (7-7-01)
1/6/2003 - Cactus Bob (Bobby Peacock)
Screen is still up, snack bar is being used as living quarters.
 Photos:40
Disclaimer:

Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.

Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 2002-2003 Photo
2002-2003 Photo
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Projectionist At Meredith
Projectionist At Meredith
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Meredith Concession
Meredith Concession
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Meredith Concession
Meredith Concession
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Meredith Concession
Meredith Concession
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Meredith Concession
Meredith Concession
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Meredith Concession
Meredith Concession
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Original Meredith Screen 1970 From Patrick Weaver
Original Meredith Screen 1970 From Patrick Weaver
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Projector 1970 From Patrick Weaver
Projector 1970 From Patrick Weaver
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Vintage Aerial
Vintage Aerial
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Old Flyer
Old Flyer
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Old Flyer
Old Flyer
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Aerial
Aerial
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 17 February 1987 Accident
17 February 1987 Accident
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 1970 Ad - Was Offered For Sale
1970 Ad - Was Offered For Sale
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - 5 April 1973 Ad
5 April 1973 Ad
Meredith Drive-In Theatre - Aerial - Photo From Terraserver
Aerial - Photo From Terraserver
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