Drive-In Theaters in Caro MI 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.

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.

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.

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 - Caro MI