Willow Drive-In
51300 Michigan Avenue,
Belleville,
MI
48111
51300 Michigan Avenue,
Belleville,
MI
48111
1 person
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The Willow Drive-In opened on September 16, 1966 with “Music City U.S.A.” & Marlon Brando in “One Eyed Jacks”. It 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). It could originally hold about 1,000 cars (increased to 1,050 in the 1970’s) and its single screen measured 118' by 50'.
Like the Robinson’s other drive-ins, the Willow Drive-In was taken over by the General Cinemas Corporation in 1967. In 1978, Wayne Amusements acquired the Willow Drive-In, but it was closed five years later.
Today, a trailer park occupies the former drive-in’s site.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
Are you sure there was a drive-in @ this location as early as the 50’s?
Looking at the historical aerials for ‘55, '63 & '64, there wasn’t a drive-in there…
Also the drive-in & the trailer park coexisted as t he park was next to the show.
More information on this drive-in Here
Visited this drive in once, around I would guess 1980. Saw Smokey and the Bandit II and the second film was Battle Beyond The Stars. Drove past it many times growing up riding with my Parents, but only saw films there one time.
jwmovies is correct. According to Waterwinterwonderland.com this opened up in 1966. It is a farm field in 1964 and a drive-in in 1966 if you look at Historic Aerials.
Opened on September 16, 1966.
Grand opening ad posted.