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News Article: Harry Mohney, Durand theatre
circuit operator, has purchased the Laney drive-ins in Michigan
from Mrs. Margaret Laney, wife of the late founder. The theatres involved are:
Alpena and Thunder Bay drive-ins,
Alpena, and Sunset Drive-In, Lapeer. Buying and booking of films will be handled by
Clark Theatre Service, Oak Park. (Boxoffice Magazine 3/9/70)
Update: This theatre was Alpenas first of two drive-ins, preceeding the Thunder-Bay by at least a season... it was
also the first to close. From what I remember (and I could be wrong, Alex, but if I am, Ill eat a bug), the theme was
brown... The outline of the marquee (at least it wasnt just a plain, white rectangle like the Thunder Bays), the trim on
the ticket booth, concession stand, screen tower... heck, even some of the speakers. This theatre also ran exclusively
on speaker sound. I didnt attend this theatre that often cuz by the time I got my drivers license, they were showing
X-rated films (I did see regular movies there towards the end, tho). In order to present adult fare, the theatre had
bright lights placed in such a way as to prevent highway travellers from seeing the action on the screen and driving
the Buick onto the go-cart track. One thing I noticed from my visits was that the intermission films were different from
the Thunder Bays. I also took notice when some of my drive-ins clips were retired and replaced with ones from the
Alpena DI (you killed my clock... yoooo bastards!). I guess they dont sell a lot of Yoo-Hoo during porn... Any-hoo,
the bulk of the replacement clock reel from the Alpena DI was the one featuring the kooky OPTIGAN organ music
(again, this can be seen on Tim Reeds tape). Good Lord, I can still hear those "bleeps" and "blurps" in my sleep.
(Waterwinterwonderland.com/Dave Rouleau 6/18/03)
Update: A recent site inspection revealed that the site of the old Alpena Drive-In is also the home of an abandoned
putt-putt course, go-kart track and driving range. The screen would have been right about where the tees for the
driving range are. The ramps are still visible on the lawn in the range as are some of the driveways.
(Waterwinterwonderland.com 11/4/08)
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