Marysville Drive-In Theatre

Info Updates:

3/8/2021 - Andy Gray

Our family’s list of Johnson Construction Company projects lists the Marysville Drive-In as a "1946-47" job. However 1950 is the correct timeframe. My grandfather Al Johnson's nine slides of the project show the tower (screen) being raised and several views of the screen, projection/concession building, fences, ticket booth and other elements. All nine slides were taken in August and September 1950. The first two slides are among the few in his collection that show drive-in tower framing being constructed onsite by bolting dimensional lumber together and then raising each upright into position by hand using ropes, and block and tackle (vs. prefabricated trusses or steel framing placed by a crane). The drive-in was demolished in 1988. The Cinema Treasures website says: "The theatre was listed as opening in the early-1950’s (50-51)."

6/9/2017 - Michael Bennett

Television was non-existent in Smith's Creek when I was growing up and the Marysville Drive In was best family entertainment option available at the time. I still remember well how frighten I was when my Dad took the family to see the Thing from another World in 1951, staring James Arness as the Thing. I loved the swings up front by the screen for our use during intermission and waiting for the second movie to start. The popcorn and food at the concession stand was second to none. All good memories from 1950 to 1959 for me. Some call this progress. I call it our lose for the difference between then and now. Michael Bennett.

2/8/2011 - JACK SEELEY

I was co owner and full time operator of the Marysville Drive In from Aug 18th, 1861 to May 1971. My partner and I installed electric in car heaters there and created a year round operation. the only out door theater in St Clair County ever to do so. We also made the theater into a 1st run movie operation and built the business up tremendously. This was not happy news for the Butterfield Chain who owned and operated the Huron theater downtown Port Huron. where people had to go inside an enclose building to see the new movies first. now they could take the whole family in the warmer months and see the new movies. under the stars in their own automobile. My partner and my timing in selling when we did was at the business' peek performance. and a stroke of foresight seldom seen. either then or to this day.

6/14/2007 - Bo Slendak

Belonged to my Grandfarther,Alex Slendak, Seeing this picture and what happened caused me to reflect on the great days I had there as a kid.. Grandma and pops as we called him packed them in on Friday and Saturday.. They also owned the St. Clair movie theater in downtown. We use to go pheasant hunting behind the old theater... Sad to see it go..They had the best fireworks in the world on 4th of July....Sad for progress,, strip mall. Just what the world needs is another strip mall!!!

5/14/2005 - Pamela Broussard

I remember going to the drive inn back in the late 70s early 80s with my boyfriend in his 56 chevy and having a good time. I always looked forward to the weekends, it was fun to be able to go and see a movie without having to leave your car. It was an experiance that alot of people dont get to do anymore, what a shame the good things are always being destroyed in the name of progress. I dont know when the driveinn closed, but it was one of the best around.

9/11/2004 - Unknown

That strip mall that replaced it really sucks. Theres like 3 dollar stores, a karate school, and a family dollar there. Way to end the last drive-in in st. clair county. As of July, 1987, it was still there.

1/6/2003 - WaterWinterWonderland

Everything is gone, shopping center occupies lot.

HomeDrive-In TheatersMarysville Drive-In Theatre - Marysville, MI

Marysville Drive-In Theatre