Caro Drive-In Theatre

Info Updates:

3/8/2021 - Andy Gray

Al Johnson's three slides show the drive-in under construction in May 1950. The two images of the screen tower appear similar to other Johnson drive-in towers that were constructed of timbers cut and assembled onsite. In the second image you can see the precast speaker posts which have been set in place, and await final grading which will cover the concrete bases. The third image shows the ticket office ready for opening night.

7/24/2013 - Cheri McCoon O'Kelly

My sister and I both worked at the drive-in in the mid 60's. We both worked in the concession stand and the box office. It was fun working there. Not only would kids try to sneak in in the trunk, they would also turn out their lights and drive in the exit.

1/4/2013 - Karen Shaver Raymond

My first job was working for Reg and Dick Ashmun at the Strand Theatre selling popcorn for seven cents a box. I also worked at the Drive-In selling tickets. We lived across from the DriveIn so I could walk back and forth. I think it was seventy-five cents a ticket. On Saturday nights after we closed the box office I would go to the concession stand and help out. Living across the road we watched the fire works on the 4th of July for years. The manager at the Strand was Richard Ferris and Ray Stapleton at the Drive-In. I also remember George in the projection room and how he would fall asleep and miss change over until the horns were blowing. It was a job I loved.

8/6/2009 - Tom Lord

I was fortunate to work at both the Strand Theater and The Caro Drive-In during the 1960s. The biggest problem was keeping the migrant workers from coming over the fence in the back of the theater. Ray Stapleton and Hank Woidan both managed the Drive-In and Hank''s wife Barb ran the concession. They had the best popcorn I''ve ever had. George (can''t remember the last name) ran the projector. He was quite the character. I do agree, some things from the past are missed and this is one more of those "wish we had a drive-in" or "it''s too bad our kids will never be able to enjoy a drive-in" moments. I will never forget the great times spent working with some great people at a great venue. Fortunately, drive-ins were a part of my life. Unfortunately, my son never had the opportunity to enjoy them.

4/10/2009 - James Yax

I was really young, but I was lucky enough to see 1 movie before the destruction of the screen, i remember it being so much fun, I can''t remember which movie sit was, it was some where between 1981 and when it was destroyed, If any body could help me fine the movie it was that would be great! I really wish someone would build another one in Caro, I think it would do really well

6/22/2006 - Tuscola County Advertiser

MOVIE MECCA “GONE WITH THE WIND” In a whirl of dust, the 38-year old screen at the Caro Drive-In on M-81 northeast of the village came crashing down about 7:30 p.m. Monday. Severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect when passers-by stopped to stare as high winds toppled the huge screen. The drive-in, owned by Peggy and Richard Ashmun, was the last theater of it’s kind in Tuscola County. “We had a lot of good movies lined up” said Richard Ashmun. “We’ve had some extensive fence damage before, but nothing like this. There are 75- and 100-year old trees out there that blew down too. Ashmun said they have been having a good summer, but wasn’t sure if they would rebuild. “A new drive-in screen costs $40,000, with only six or seven weeks left in the season, I don’t know if it’s worth it” Ashmun said. “The insurance won’t necessarily cover costs.” The Ashmun brothers have been in the movie business for 53 years. They also own the Strand Theater in Caro, and the drive-in in Bad Axe. Fortunately, Ashmun added, they could switch movies from the drive-in schedule to the Strand Theater.

3/26/2006 - Randy Compton

Do you guys remember back in the late 70s or early 80s how the place was rockin? How we used to sneak people in the trunk of the car? How we used to have a keg in the trunk and everyone would meet us there? God rest the Caro Drive In as it is one big memory for alot of people!

1/6/2003 - Drive-Ins.com

The Caro Drive-In was built simply and cheaply ($65,000) by R.J. Ashmunn and opened on May 13, 1950. The marquee was by the Horstmann Sign Co. This drive-in was featured in the 1950/51 edition of the Theatre Catalog. Darren Snow

1/6/2003 - Drive-Ins.com

The Caro drive-in is gone, the site is now a Wal-Mart. Theres a song by the country group LoneStar that has the line "That old drive-in is a new Wal-Mart. Bobby Peacock

HomeDrive-In TheatersCaro Drive-In Theatre - Caro, MI

Caro Drive-In Theatre