(MCH) The Michigan Drive-In Theatre Traditional Cache
Hidden : 6/3/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The Michigan Cinema History (MCH) caches are dedicated to the local creation,
viewing, or enjoyment of cinema-related items in the local area.

This can include, and is not limited to, people, places, and things
relating to Cinema or both past-and-present.
This series is a companion to
the Detroit Cinema History (DCH) and
the Ontario Cinema History (OCH) series.


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.

Typical-style of Drive-In Theater Speakers with the Volume Knob.

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. 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.).

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.

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 Michigan Drive-In Theatre
14900 Dix Toledo Highway, Southgate, MI 48195
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OPENED: July 22, 1948 | CLOSED: 1984
CAPACITY: 1000 (1948) - 1200 (1977)



Street view of the Michigan Drive-In (1985)
Southgate, a small suburb south of Detroit, was blessed with two great drive-ins, the Fort George Drive-In and the Michigan Drive-In.  Like its partner-drive-in on Fort Street, the Michigan Drive-In was operated by the Nicholas George Theatre Group who owned many theatres across the Metro Detroit area.

1983 view of the screen (patron-side)

When the Michigan opened, it was designed as a single-screen facility and remained that way throughout its entire existance here, even though many other Drive-Ins would eventually split into 2, 3, 4, and even as many as 10 separate screens for the public to enjoy.

1947 view of the Marquee side of the screen

This "ozoner" (as many drive-ins were called) had a capacity for 1,000 cars when it first opened in 1948 and would later be expanded to 1,200 after a renovation in 1977.



Full-page ad for the opening night of the Michigan

In 1948, this was the article in the Wyandotte News for the Michigan Drive-In Grand Opening:

Michigan Drive-In Opens Tonight - Largest In The Nation - The grand opening of Michigan's newest and most modern drive-in theatre will take place tonight at 6:30, it was announced today by Nicholas George, owner. The new drive-in, which is located on Dix-Toledo highway, is one of the largest of it's type in the nation. The folks who drive out to the new Michigan Drive-In theatre are in for a pleasant surprise, according to George, who is also owner of the Allen Park theatre. They will be amazed to discover that the quality of the picture image on the huge screen is excellent. So sharp is the definition that even those who park their cars on the last ramp, which is a couple of average city blocks away, can see and hear without eye or ear strain and enjoy the show as well as if they were in an indoor theatre. To bring crystal clear "personalized" sound right to each car, Simplex in-a-car speakers have been installed. Each speaker is equipped with an easy to operate volume control which makes it possible to adjust the sound to satisfy your individual taste. Another feature for patrons is the ultra-modern refreshment stand, equipped to sell ice cream, pop corn, candy, soft drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers. Added attraction for the youngsters will be a joyland playground, complete with swings, slides and merry-go-round. In the interest of safety of the children playing, an attendant will be in charge at all times. Modern sanitary rest rooms are also provided. Mr. George has also announced that he has succeeded in securing a highly efficient and courteous staff, who will be ready to serve the public at all times. (Wyandotte News 7-22-48)


July 1948 view of the main screen
The popularity of the Michigan Drive-In theatre grew from its opening night and kept growing for many years afterwards.  It became a popular place to be and just "hang out" by folks of all ages.  Most of the weekend nights, during good weather, the theatre was filled to capacity.

1985 Day-view of the audience-side of the screen

When the Michigan was built, it almost seemed like it was out in the country because folks would be see pheasant or other wild game during daylight hours if they drove-by.  It was a rural suburban setting and the "city" would soon build up around the theatre.

For the evening showings, most of the time the Michigan would have double-features, with the first film re-showing after the second one had completed.  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.

Night-view of the audience-side of the screen

For the first decade or so, the Michigan was a seasonal Drive-In, as during the colder months it was just too-extremely cold for patrons to sit idling their engines to keep warm in the cold, Michigan winter nights.  In-car heaters were installed later-on and allowed for the patrons to enjoy the drive-in year-round.

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 as time went on.

1985 view of the patron area & snackbar

In the early-1980's the draw to the drive-in still brought folks in from many miles away....and business was good for many drive-ins across the country.  Unfortunately, that draw would begin to fade with other sources of entertainment such as computers and home-video sales and rentals.  In early 1984, the decision was made by the owners to close the Michigan and sell the land to repurpose the site for something else.

1949 Aerial of the Drive-In

After the drive-in structures were removed and the debris cleared, a shopping center was constructed on the site and tenants began to move in.  These tenants did pretty-well, but the drive-in was an attraction that many felt would've been better to occupy this spot.



1981 Aerial View

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.

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.

1999 Aerial view

After little more than half a century, the era of the Drive-In Theatre ended. Most people that visited Drive In's consider themselves lucky. Most 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.

 Please BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS and as always, Enjoy the Hunt!


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IF you have any more pictures, information or
details on the Michigan Drive-In, please email me
and i will include it in the description.



Thank you.
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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Qba'g FXVEG gur vffhr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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