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Most Drive-In Movie Theaters consist of a large outdoor screen (either a wall painted-white, or a complex steel-truss structure with a complex finish), a projection booth, a concession stand and a large parking area for automobiles. Within this enclosed area, customers can view movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars.
The original Patent Drawings.
The idea originated in the early 1930's in Camden, NJ. and was Patented by Richard M. Hollingshead. His idea began as an experiment in his driveway with a Kodak Projector, mounted on the hood of his car, aimed at a screen that was attached to some trees.
He tried different techniques and finally worked-out the parking-arrangement and spacing to allow everyone that attended, an unobstructed view of the screen. Once he had this idea in- place, he was granted a Patent in 1933 and He opened his first Drive-In Theater soon thereafter. This facility only lasted a few years before closing, but the idea caught-on elsewhere to become part of the American Pop-Culture and Landscape to-this-day.
The first RCA-produced Drive-In Theater Speakers
Sound was originally produced from Speakers in the main screen tower, but the quality wasn't that good and many attempts were made to improve it. In 1941, the RCA corporation found a solution and along-came the in-car speakers with built-in volume controls that most drive-in patrons would come to know. These were better than the original Sound, but still had a very "tinny" sound to them.
Typical RCA-produced Speakers with volume knobs on them
Later-on, as the technology improved, this system was replaced with Radio Broadcast equipment to allow the sound to be transmitted directly to the vehicles. This was an improved process for sound and also kept damage to the wired Speakers and/or patrons cars that would happen when folks would leave, after a good show of their favorite film, and some people would "forget to remove the speaker" and damage both the speaker and/or their cars in the process (i.e. Windows, or scratches/dents, etc.).
An animation that would be shown on the screen informing the patrons that it was time to start the movie
The popularity of the Drive-In's soared after World War II and peaked in the 1950's and 1960's. The theaters would provide cheap, family entertainment including many having a Playground (or other things) for their youngest patrons. For colder-weather, in-car heaters were also offered at many Theaters, much like the Speakers had been.
This type of heater plugged in to 120vAC (not 12V car power)
to warm your car during cold nights at the drive in movie.
The Concession Stand (or Snack Bar) would have food that could be served very quickly. Hot Dogs, Pizza, Cheeseburgers, Popcorn, Soft Drinks, and a host of other "food" could be found there to enjoy along with the show. This is usually where the Theater makes most of it's profits and much of the promotions are geared towards that area.
An "intermission cartoon" to entice patrons to the Concession Stand.
This was vital to the success of drive-ins, as food revenue increased steadily during the late 1940s and 50s. While some operators experimented with talk-back speakers to take orders and deliver food to the car, others had mobile carts patrolling the lots selling snacks. Over time, owners discovered that concessions could be sold at a high mark-up and that revenues did not have to be shared with film distributors.
Another Intermission Ad
To this day, food revenue remains extremely important to exhibitors, especially with film rental rates going as high as 80% on opening weekends for some features. In order to promote the concessions, most locations used the now-famous drive-in intermission films, popularized by the Filmack Company, featuring dancing hot dogs and countdown clocks that were supposed to mesmerize the audience members, wet their pallets and open their wallets.
Many Theaters even had "car-hops" like their Drive-In Restaurant counterparts to make the experience even more appealing for their patrons.
A car-hop, taking an order (California)
The Drive-In owners would later allow other-uses for their large amounts of space which could only be used for the Theater after-sunset. This would usually generate more income for the theaters and some of these uses included Flea Markets, Swap Meets, and even Outdoor Church Services.
A typical Flea Market at the Mission Drive-In, San Antonio, Texas, 1984
Over time, with the advent of other sources of entertainment, as well as the rising cost of Real Estate and other economic factors, Cinematic Landmarks such as these have been slowly disappearing over the years, leaving less than 500 across the United States currently. Many of those which were closed were later demolished and the real-estate used for other things such as Office or Retail Space, with some being replaced on the exact same land with Mutli-Plex indoor Movie Theaters. Some properties have just been left vacant with nothing remaining there but an empty field. However, a very-select few that were closed have even re- opened to be given a new-life with new patrons looking for a very unique movie-going experience.
There is a local Drive-In Theatre also featured In the TV Series "The Simpsons"
showing just how much Drive-Ins are part of our Popular Culture
Many folks feel that these Gems of Americana are very much an endangered part of the landscape. Most, if not all of them, have very fond memories of their time spent there and would love to be able to revisit their favorite Drive-In Theater once again.
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Michigan Cinema History:
The Willow Drive-In Theatre
51300 E. Michigan Ave, Belleville, MI 48111
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OPENED: Sept 16, 1966 | CLOSED: 1983 |
Vehicle Capacity: 1000 (1966), 1050 (1975), 900 (1983)
The Main Screen and Marquee Sign from the nearby University DI (1983).which was located in Ann Arbor. Photo (C) MichiganDriveIns.com
The Willow Drive-In was a big single-screen theater which opened in 1966, along Michigan Ave, not far from the Willow-run Airport.
This Drive In Theatre was one of the last Metro Detroit Drive-Ins to be built, and began it's life here with parking for about 1000 vehicles and was one of three drive-in theatres in the area owned by Arthur and Roger Robinson (along with the Scio Drive-In and the Ypsi-Ann Drive-In). The single-screen measured 118' by 50' and was a sight to see. Unfortunately, the large screen was the best part of this one with the concession stand and box offices left a bit lacking for some of the Drive-In Theatre afficianados.
This "ozoner" (as many drive-ins were called) had a capacity for 1,000 vehicles when it was opened in 1966 and would later be expanded to 1,050 in the mid-1970's. This was adequate to accomodate the draw of the public to this unusual and very popular entertainment venue.
During the peak business time in the summer months, the Willow was most-likely filled to capacity with movie-goers who wanted some entertainment under the night sky.
Big Sky Drive-In Theatre, Midland, TX
Most of the time, the drive-in was a good value for the money as it would be a good evening's entertainment for folks of all ages including children being admitted for free many times.
Attendance at the Willow Drive-In was mostly seasonal for it's patrons because during the colder months it was just too-cold to enjoy the show without freezing or possibly running out of gas in your car just to keep the heat on. In-car heaters were installed later-on in most Drive-Ins and allowed for the patrons to enjoy the drive-in year-round. This upgrade in the facilities for the patrons would draw the crowds even during the sometimes-very-bitter cold Michigan winter nights and made the experience just that much better.
During the warmer months in order to help control insects, the management would "smoke" the whole drive-in complex. The foggers were known to have some issues where they'd catch-fire in some Drive-In locations. This technology did improve over time however and had fewer-issues and problems as time went on.
Skeeter Fogging truck
The Robinsons would sell their three drive-ins in 1967 to the General Cinemas Corporation in 1967. In 1978, Wayne Amusements acquired the Willow Drive-In, but they would close it five years later.
Economics changed as time went on, and many drive-ins closed in the mid-to-late-1980s and early 1990's. The introduction of VCRs and other at-home entertainment meant more people were either staying home to watch movies or going to indoor movie theatres which were getting bigger screens and Dolby sound. This evolution would lead to the decline of "going to the movies" and folks staying-home.
Land values and prices began to go up and the suburbs gradually expanded around it. As the area built up, property taxes also increased until the cost of the taxes on the 20+ acres that most drive-in's occupied were more than the net income the theatre generated.
The Willow Drive In Theatre would be demolished and soon after Today, a mobile home community would then occupy the former drive-in’s site.
Many people that would visit the area later on not having any idea that this was once a special place for people to be entertained on warm summer nights.
The Drive-in was an experience that many people cannot get out and enjoy much anymore. The viewing and experience of watching a movie from the comfort of your own automobile, truck, or van.
1970's aerial view of the Willow Drive-In
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After little more than half a century, the era of the Drive-In Theatre ended. Many people that visited a Drive In Theatre consider themselves lucky to have been able to experience such a unique entertainment venue. Most people who attended in their adolescent years don’t remember what movies they saw but many of them do remember how exciting it was to be outside late at night, loading up at the snack bar and then then trying not to fall asleep while watching the flickering movie screen from the comfy backseat of the car.
One theater goer summed up her feelings. "You just worry sometimes that it will be all gone. We felt so sorry to see those others all go. We really enjoyed this place."
Many folks feel that the Drive-in Theater is a part of an Endangered Americana that is missed by all who treasured the times that they had there and those that remember this classic drive-in theatre do so with warm memories and fondness that will live-on for a long time to come.
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IF you have any more information or
details on this location, please email me
and i will include it in the description.
Thank you.
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This theatre was a wonderful part of
Metro Detroit...and was a beautiful
sight to behold in its day.
This is what makes it part of
Michigan Cinema History.
Please BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS and as always, Enjoy the Hunt!